Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro this week finally addressed the Monnapule Saleng saga that has been ongoing for several months, but why only now?
It seems ridiculous that a player of Saleng’s ability simply does not feature for his club, and Pirates need to make a statement to set the record straight, if only to avoid speculation from the media and the public.
For whatever reason (there have been numerous speculations), the 26-year-old winger has been mysteriously absent from the Pirates’ lineup for the past three months. Last week, it was revealed that his absence might be linked to a failed move abroad and dissatisfaction with his wages at the club.
However, the club has neither confirmed nor denied these claims.
Following a reported failed move to Al Ahly, Saleng chose not to attend training, which ultimately led to his exclusion from the team.
Reading between the lines at Orlando Pirates
While Riveiro did not get into specifics on Saleng’s situation, reading between the lines was quite revealing.
“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,” said Riveiro.
“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?”
Riveiro went on to intimate that Saleng may not want to be at the club, as he talked about other players with ‘hunger’.
“But we focus on the place that we have. That's it. I think luckily we have a lot of talent in the team.
“We have players with a lot of hunger, wanting to use their opportunities. Like I said many times, the opportunities are presented there for them.
“We have players in every position capable of doing their job. That's it. We have to leave the moment and look for the future. The future for us is to get ready tomorrow for a big match on the weekend. There's no time to think so much about who is there or who is not.”
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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