Remember former Arsenal magician Mesut Ozil? His situation at the end of his Gunners career has shades of Saleng at Orlando Pirates.
Magician Mesut sparked at Arsenal
Mesut Özil was one of the most talented playmakers and prolific assist-creators of his generation. When he signed for Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2013 for €47 million, Gunners fans around the world thought of it as a watershed moment. Özil certainly produced a string of brilliant performances and moments, but his career in London faded out to the extent that he was sitting on the bench as an unused substitute despite being the club’s highest earner. Talk about a waste of resources. The reason for his exodus wasn’t disclosed but the consensus was that the talented German fell out with manager Unai Emery, the man who replaced the iconic figure of Arsène Wenger.
Disappointing troughs follow high peaks
There’s no doubt World Cup winner Özil enjoyed a stellar career, delighting fans with sublime and subtle touches; he can point to the 2015-2016 Premier League season where he peaked, supplying a stunning 19 assists. Saleng scored 15 and assisted 11 across all competitions in 2022-2023 as he reached his pinnacle. Steady declines for both players followed, however.
The board owes the Orlando Pirates supporters an explanation
Not long ago, Pirates had the opportunity to sell Monnapule Saleng to European suitors. Figures in the region of €2 million (just a shade under R40 million) were mentioned. However, the Buccaneers board decided to keep their star winger. Now that decision appears to be a foolish one. The mercurial star hasn’t made a single competitive appearance in 2025. His last outing for the Sea Robbers was a goalless draw against Al Ahly in December in a Caf Champions League group stage match.
Back to business for the Buccaneers
Pirates got a reality check in the title race last time out, losing 4-1 to defending champions Sundowns. However, the Brazilians slipped up in a surprise defeat to TS Galaxy in their following match; all is not lost in Pirates’ quest for the Betway Premiership crown, an honour that has eluded them since 2012. They trail Sundowns by nine points but have two games in hand. Next up for Riveiro’s side is a Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash at home against Baroka on Saturday 15 Feb at 15:00. The Sea Robbers return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday 19 February, away to Golden Arrows. Kickoff in that clash is at 19:30.
Will Saleng represent Pirates again?
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