WATCH: Orlando Pirates superstar Saleng at his sizzling best
Class is permanent.

Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng has been out of the picture but nobody who’s watched football doesn’t know he’s all class.
Saleng sizzled against Sundowns
Just in case you forgot…
Orlando Pirates star reminds us form is temporary, class is permanent
Mercurial winger Monnapule Monnapule Saleng scored a match-winning brace to help Pirates to a 3-2 win against Kaizer Chiefs in April 2024. The 26-year-old has been mysteriously absent from training and matchday squads in recent weeks, fuelling a media frenzy around what’s happening with the Bafana man. ‘Private’ reasons have been cited by the club. Saleng has only appeared three times in the Betway Premiership this term, with a return of two goals. He hasn’t featured in a competitive match for the club in 2025.
There could be a feeling of déjà vu for Chiefs, however, as Saleng was completely out of the picture in the buildup to the last meeting between these sides. Can lightning strike twice with Saleng coming out of the blue to vanquish the Glamour Boys?

Soweto Derby H2H
Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league, most recently that 3-2 success for the Sea Robbers in March 2024 with Monnapule Saleng bagging a double. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. These rivals lock horns again on Saturday 01 February at Orlando Stadium. Kickoff is at 15:30.
Predicted Orlando Pirates XI vs Richards Bay in the Nedbank Cup
Chaine; Lebitso, Sesane, Sibisi, Hotto; Makhaula, Mbatha; Dlamini, Maswanganyi, Nkota; Mabasa.
Kickoff between Richards Bay and Pirates is at 15:00 on Sunday 26 January. The Buccaneers’ scheduled league clash with Royal AM was postponed.

Will Saleng make an unlikely return to the Pirates side against Chiefs in the Soweto Derby?
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