Despite the ongoing absence of star winger Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates defied being comprehensively outplayed to secure a vital 1-0 away victory against MC Alger in their CAF Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
Mohau Nkota’s strike shortly after the hour mark at the Stade du 5 Juillet proved to be the difference in a match where Pirates were second best for large parts of the encounter.
In a remarkable display of resilience, the Buccaneers managed to clinch the win despite being thoroughly dominated for large stretches of the game.
Read: Nkota’s Clinical Strike Seals Crucial Away Victory for Orlando Pirates Against MC Alger
MC Alger registered a staggering 21 shots on goal compared to Pirates’ mere four, and the home side also enjoyed a commanding 69% of possession. By all accounts, this hard-fought victory represents a commendable achievement for the Soweto Giants.
Leading up to the clash, there had been growing anticipation that Saleng might at least feature on the bench. The 26-year-old winger had been conspicuously absent from the Pirates’ lineup for nearly four months, but recent footage released by the club over the weekend showed him participating in training sessions with the squad.
Saleng was seen actively involved on the training field and in the gym, marking his first visible involvement with the team this year. However, for reasons that remain officially undisclosed despite widespread speculation, the talented winger was once again missing from the matchday squad.
The extended period of Saleng’s absence has fueled numerous theories. A couple of weeks ago, reports surfaced suggesting that his unavailability might stem from a failed transfer abroad coupled with alleged dissatisfaction regarding his current wages at the club.
While these reports gained traction, Orlando Pirates have refrained from offering any official confirmation. It was further suggested that following a reported breakdown of a potential move to Al Ahly, Saleng opted not to attend training, which subsequently led to his exclusion from the team.
Interestingly, coach Jose Riveiro addressed the Saleng situation publicly for the first time just two weeks prior to this match, albeit maintaining a tight-lipped stance on the matter.
While Riveiro opted not to divulge specific details surrounding Saleng’s continued absence, his carefully chosen words offered a glimpse into the delicate situation.
“I don’t think about players when we win or when we don’t win. I think no one would like to be in this situation when we started the season, but it is what it is,” Riveiro stated, acknowledging the undesirable circumstances.
He further added, “It’s something that, as you know, is not my role to speak so much about that issue. I just wish the best for both sides in this case, and we don’t… whatever I say is going to be a big headline, right?” These comments suggest a complex situation with sensitivities on both the player’s and the club’s side.
Monnapule Saleng last featured for Orlando Pirates on December 7th in a CAF Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly at the Orlando Stadium, which concluded in a goalless draw.
Despite his prolonged absence from club duties, Saleng was surprisingly selected for the Bafana Bafana squad for their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier in Bloemfontein last month, where he delivered a standout performance, indicating his continued fitness and ability.
Orlando Pirates fan’s will be pondering about how long his continued exclusion from the Mighty Buccaneer’s lineup will continue.
The return fixture of their CAF appointment with MC Alger is set for April 9th, 2025, at the Orlando Stadium, with the Buccaneers aiming to secure their place in the CAF Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2013.