Orlando Pirates have done some smart business this window, but a ghost continues to haunt the board and the club’s balance sheet.
Pirates had several opportunities to sell Monnapule Saleng while his stock was high.
Now, they’ll likely lose the player on a free transfer. What went wrong?
Details: Saleng returns to Orbit College
Pirates fumbled the bag with Saleng
After hesitating to sell Monnapule Saleng, and with all possible suitors knowing he was unhappy at the club, Pirates scuppered a massive opportunity to make some money on the player, with a weakened bargaining position. The record departure in Pirates history was €2.3 million (R48 million) when Mbulelo ‘Oldjohn’ Mabizela moved to Tottenham in 2003-2004. It’s unlikely the Sea Robbers would have fetched a number in that region, but there’s no reason why the 2022-2023 PSL Player of the Year should be leaving on a free transfer. However, that’s the most likely scenario with the player out on loan with Orbit College for the 2025-2026 season. After all, there were substantial rumours of offers from Standard Liege in Belgium and French Ligue giants Monaco.
‘Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates’
New captain for Orlando Pirates
29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain’s armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That’s a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league.
Is Saleng still good enough to return to Pirates or has that ship sailed?
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