Riveiro on Saleng: ‘You Could See the Boy Wasn’t Happy’ as Winger Faded from Pirates Line-Up
Former Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has broken his silence on Monnapule Saleng’s dramatic decline and mysterious six-month absence from the team, admitting that “you could see that the boy is not happy” during a difficult period in the 2024/25 season. In the latest episode of the club’s docu-series Giants, aired on SuperSport TV, Riveiro described Saleng’s situation as emotionally taxing and “weird,” offering rare insight into the behind-the-scenes tensions that left the once-star winger sidelined and ultimately loaned to Orbit College for the new season.
The Drawn-Out Saga: Saleng’s Six-Month Absence from Pirates
Monnapule Saleng’s story at Orlando Pirates has gripped South African football fans for months, becoming one of the longest-running dramas in the Premier Soccer League. The 27-year-old winger, once a shining star for the Buccaneers, vanished from the pitch and training grounds for a full six months. This shocking absence, from late 2024 into early 2025, stemmed from a heated contract dispute between Saleng and the club. Reports suggest Saleng turned down a contract extension, feeling the offer did not match his true worth on the market.
Saleng joined Pirates in July 2022 from Free State Stars, quickly becoming a fan favourite. In his breakout 2022/23 season, he scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists, helping the team lift the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 trophies. His stunning strike in the Nedbank Cup final against Sekhukhune United sealed his hero status. But by the 2023/24 campaign, his form dipped sharply, with just three league goals. Whispers of unhappiness grew, and by October 2024, Saleng stopped playing competitive matches altogether.
The situation escalated when Saleng went absent without leave for at least three months, missing team sessions and games. Pirates officials kept quiet at first, but insiders revealed tensions over wages and contract terms. Saleng’s deal was set to end in June 2025, but the club triggered an option to extend it to 2027, a move that reportedly fuelled the standoff. Speculation swirled about a possible move to rivals like Kaizer Chiefs, adding fuel to the fire.
During this time, Saleng faced immense personal strain. He later shared in interviews that the ordeal took a toll on his mental health, leaving him feeling isolated. The club fined him for going AWOL, but eventually, talks resumed. By April 2025, Saleng returned to training, though his minutes on the field remained limited. He made a brief comeback in May, but the damage was done—his season ended with sparse appearances.
Riveiro’s Revealing Insights: Unhappiness and a ‘Weird’ Period
Former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro broke his silence on the matter in the second episode of the club’s docu-series, Giants, aired on SuperSport TV on 3 August 2025. Riveiro, who stepped down earlier this year after leading Pirates to multiple trophies, described the phase as “weird” and emotionally tough. He pinpointed a key moment during a 3-2 loss to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup in October 2024, where Pirates trailed 3-0 at halftime.
“The period of the season was weird, with Saleng. So he takes you to a weird space, where you start to speculate if he’s okay or not, if he really wants to play for the team, or not,” Riveiro said. He noted Saleng’s usual passion had vanished: “You could see that the boy is not happy; he’s just not himself. He’s not the guy enjoying every action, even if he has to run to defend 60m, he enjoys the action as well. And he wasn’t there, it was weird.”
Riveiro chose to prioritise committed players, explaining: “I tried to concentrate on what’s coming for the ones who want to go to the field and fight for the team one more time, another 45 or 50 minutes, and not giving time or energy to that issue, even though it was not something really nice to see.” His comments shed light on the internal frustrations, suggesting Saleng’s mindset shifted amid the dispute.
In the same episode, Saleng opened up briefly but vaguely: “What caused the situation? A lot of things. A lot of things happened.” He avoided specifics, focusing instead on his desire to move forward. The docu-series, which chronicles Pirates’ ups and downs, has sparked debates among fans about whether airing such personal issues helps or harms team unity.
Contract Dispute Details: Wages, Extensions, and Loan Move
At the core was a standoff over Saleng’s salary and future. Earning around R150 000 monthly, Saleng sought a raise to reflect his contributions, but Pirates’ offer fell short. The club activated a two-year extension clause, binding him until 2027, but Saleng refused to commit long-term without better terms. This led to his exclusion from the squad, with rumours of disciplinary action.
By mid-2025, the impasse resolved somewhat, but Saleng’s role diminished under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. In a surprise twist, Pirates loaned him to Orbit College in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the 2025/26 season. This move, announced in July 2025, aims to give Saleng game time and rebuild his form away from the spotlight. Orbit, based in Rustenburg, sees him as a key addition to their promotion push.
The loan includes a recall option for Pirates, hinting at a possible return if Saleng shines. Fans have mixed feelings—some see it as a fresh start, others as a demotion for a player who once dazzled in the PSL.
Impact on Pirates and Saleng’s Career Trajectory
Saleng’s absence hurt Pirates during a transitional season. The team finished second in the league but struggled with consistency, partly due to missing his flair on the wing. Riveiro’s exit in June 2025 followed a trophyless run, with the Saleng saga cited as a factor in team morale dips.
For Saleng, the episode has been a career setback. Once tipped for Bafana Bafana stardom, his international caps stalled at a handful. Mental health experts have praised him for speaking out, noting the pressures on young athletes in contract battles. Saleng has since focused on fitness, posting workout videos on social media to show his determination.
The PSL has seen similar disputes, like those involving Andile Jali or Gaston Sirino, but Saleng’s stands out for its length and secrecy. League officials have called for better mediation to avoid such stand-offs harming the game.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead
Pirates supporters, known as the Happy People, have rallied behind Saleng online. Hashtags like #StandWithSaleng trended during the docu-series episode, with fans sharing memories of his goals. Some blame the club for mishandling the situation, while others urge Saleng to fight back at Orbit.
As the 2025/26 season kicks off, all eyes are on Saleng’s loan spell. A strong performance could pave the way for a triumphant Pirates return or attract interest from abroad. For Riveiro, now coaching elsewhere, his candid words in Giants offer closure on a chapter that tested his leadership.
This saga reminds us that behind the glamour of football lie real human struggles. As Saleng rebuilds, the hope is for a happier ending where his talent shines again on the big stage.
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