Is Monnapule Saleng Heading to Kaizer Chiefs? Contract Confusion Fuels Transfer Twist
Monnapule Saleng is reportedly on the brink of a remarkable career reset. This comes after enduring a frustrating and silent fallout with Orlando Pirates. The winger, once one of the country’s most electrifying talents, now seems poised to don the gold and black of Kaizer Chiefs. This development was triggered by a surprising contractual oversight at Mayfair.
From Frozen Out to Fresh Start
As the 2024/2025 season concluded, Saleng was nowhere to be seen in the Buccaneers’ matchday squads. His absence wasn’t due to injury or poor form. Instead, confusion around the validity of his contract appears to have sidelined him. Speculation intensified when it emerged that Pirates had failed to act on a renewal clause. This reportedly allowed Chiefs to swoop in and secure his services via a pre-contract.
The club’s silence only fuelled the rumours. Meanwhile, insiders revealed that Saleng’s representatives distanced themselves from the drama, further hinting at internal disagreements. One source claimed the Soweto giants realised too late that Saleng’s extension option had slipped by unnoticed.
A Star Faded Too Soon
Saleng’s exclusion from Pirates’ line-ups was jarring given his previous form. During the 2022/2023 campaign, he lit up local football with 26 goal contributions. This included a memorable winner in the MTN8 final and a key assist in the Nedbank Cup final. He followed that up with a respectable 10-goal involvement season and even attracted interest from Al Nasr in the UAE.
In the early stages of 2024/2025, he managed five goals and one assist in just 13 appearances. This was before his abrupt disappearance. His last club appearance came on 7 December 2024 in a goalless CAF Champions League draw against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium. From then on, Saleng was sidelined for a staggering 33 matches across all competitions.
Kaizer Chiefs Take Advantage of Contract Confusion
Reports strongly suggest that Kaizer Chiefs capitalised on Pirates’ misstep, quietly securing the 27-year-old winger. Despite no official announcement from either side, mounting evidence indicates that the Naturena outfit may have pulled off one of the most strategic acquisitions of the off-season.
Saleng’s appearance for Bafana Bafana in March — during the CHAN qualifier against Egypt — offered fans a rare glimpse of his abilities. In that match, played in Bloemfontein, he delivered a standout performance. Thus, proving he’s far from finished.
However, controversy lingers. While some claim his absence was down to a contract dispute — possibly linked to salary — Pirates have maintained a tight-lipped approach. They have offered no clear explanation.
Concerns About Monnapule Saleng Fit at Chiefs
Not everyone is convinced that Saleng’s potential move to Chiefs is a perfect match. Former Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi has cast doubt on whether the winger suits the current playing style at Naturena. Drawing comparisons with the likes of Gaston Sirino, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly, Vilakazi suggested that Chiefs lack the tactical cohesion needed. This is needed to elevate a player like Saleng.
Speaking on the OmniaudioAfrica YouTube channel, Vilakazi remarked, “What’s happening to Sirino now is the same thing that happened to Billiat and Dolly. Chiefs don’t have the kind of solid core that allows players to thrive. If Saleng joins, he may struggle without the right support system.”
What’s Next for Saleng?
The path ahead for Saleng may be full of uncertainty, but it’s also an opportunity for reinvention. If the move to Chiefs is confirmed, he’ll have a point to prove. This will be not just to his former employers, but also to those who doubt his ability to shine at a new club.
Whatever happens next, the Saleng saga has already reshaped the PSL off-season narrative. Kaizer Chiefs potentially walk away with the transfer coup of the year.
Also read: Is Monnapule Saleng’s Time at Orlando Pirates Coming to an End?
