Bloemhof, North West – Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng is reportedly battling depression and contemplating leaving the Soweto giants due to a dispute over his salary and perceived mistreatment by the club. The revelation comes from Saleng's parents, Thabo and Makie Tsoeu, who shared intimate details of their son's struggles in an exclusive interview with Sunday World.
The talented winger, who last featured for Pirates in December during a CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly, has remained tight-lipped about his future, fuelling speculation surrounding his position at the club.
Sunday World visited Saleng's parents at their home in Boitumelong, a rural village in Bloemhof, North West province, to uncover the truth behind the player's absence from the field. The Tsoeus revealed that their son's unhappiness stems from a disagreement with Pirates regarding his salary, which he believes is not commensurate with his contributions to the team. They also alluded to instances of alleged "bad treatment" that have further exacerbated his discontent.
The situation reportedly began to escalate around the time of the MTN 8 final against Stellenbosch FC in Durban. According to his parents, Saleng was reluctant to participate in the final and even missed the team bus to OR Tambo Airport. Concerned about the implications of his absence, his parents intervened, emphasising the importance of the game and urging him to reconsider.
"Fortunately for him, he arrived before his team did. He had an opportunity to play in the MTN 8 final, despite not training for the game. He performed well and scored a goal," his mother, Makie, recounted. Despite his stellar performance in the final, the underlying issues remained unresolved.
Makie Tsoeu explained that her son feels he is not being compensated fairly, stating, "He just wanted the team to pay him what he deserves." This sentiment underscores the core of the dispute, with Saleng seeking recognition for his value to the team through a revised salary package.
The situation has persisted since the MTN 8 final, culminating in his last appearance for Pirates against Al Ahly in December. Despite his club troubles, Saleng was recently selected to represent Bafana Bafana in a CHAN game against Egypt, highlighting his continued importance on the national stage.
His father, Thabo, expressed his anguish over his son's situation, revealing that Saleng is considering a departure from Pirates. "I'm in pain. He is the one who cares for us at home, and seeing his profession in such a state crushes my heart. I wish he could tell me what is really bothering him before it's too late," he lamented. Thabo further stated his desire for his son to find a new club where he would be valued and appreciated. "The problem is the contract. We would want him to stick with Pirates because it is one of the biggest clubs in the country," he conceded, acknowledging the prestige associated with playing for the Buccaneers.
Saleng's childhood friend, Boikanyo Maine, echoed the sentiments of many in the community, urging Pirates to find a compromise and offer him a more lucrative contract. "If he was not an important asset, Bafana could not have called him. We are requesting that Pirates consider what he wants. It's unfair, imagine getting R70 000 but your contribution in most of the matches speaks volumes, while somebody [else] is getting R500 000," Maine argued, highlighting the perceived disparity between Saleng's salary and his contributions to the team.
Those close to Saleng attest to his generosity and positive impact on his community. "He is spending his money with the community; when he is down, we are all down. Saleng is generous. He would give us money every time he was home," said a group of young men, emphasising his commitment to giving back to those around him.
Pogiso Rambau, his former school principal from Gaopalelwe Secondary School, expressed the school's longing for his success. "As the school we miss him on the screen. We saw him live on our dusty small grounds. We wish there could be a positive result out of his situation," Rambau stated, highlighting the pride the school community takes in his achievements.
His childhood football coach, Tejane Mosiamiemang, from Young Stars, shared his aspirations for Saleng's future, saying, "I started training him when he was eight years old. My heart was broken when I heard that he is no longer playing. My goal was to see Saleng playing overseas."
Saleng's representative, P Management Sport, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "This matter involves significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution."
Despite repeated attempts to reach Pirates' media officer, Thandi Merafe, for comment, she was unavailable and did not respond to messages. Saleng's agent, Karabo Mathang Tshabuse, referred to the statement previously released by P Management Sport.
