Orlando Pirates' documentary sheds light on Monnapule Saleng's struggles: Was it necessary?

IOL News

a day ago

Orlando Pirates have sent Monnapule Saleng on loan to Orbit College in order to help him regain the form that turned him into one of the most exciting players in South Africa. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have seemingly thrown Monnapule Saleng under the bus in their fly-on-the-wall documentary aired on SuperSport.
The documentary, which provides an in-depth look at the club's operations, spotlighted Saleng's turbulent experiences, raising crucial questions about player welfare and the ethics of club transparency.
Saleng, who played a pivotal role for the Pirates during the early stages of the 2023/24 season, faced significant turmoil over the past year. A notable absence from the pitch for much of the last season led to rampant speculation regarding his future with the club.
Reports emerged hinting at a tense stand-off between Saleng and the Pirates management, where the 24-year-old believed he warranted a salary comparable to the club's highest earners, based on his contributions to the team.
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Mental health challenges also came into play during this tough period, with whispers of Saleng struggling mentally, ultimately resulting in his loan transfer to Orbit College FC. The hope is that this move will allow him to regain the form that once marked him as one of South Africa's most promising football talents.
The documentary hastily shifts to the Carling Knockout Last 16 clash, where Pirates faced a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Magesi FC. During half-time, a visibly agitated Saleng was approached by then head coach Jose Riveiro, who, after noticing Saleng's reluctance, opted to substitute him.
Riveiro narrates the moment saying, 'Because we know Saleng, we know what he's capable of doing… And we have a weird half-time… you could see that the boy is not happy, he's just not himself.'
In an emotional response, Saleng spoke of the chaos surrounding his experience at the club, stating, 'What caused the situation? A lot of things. A lot of things happened.'
The poignant exchange raises an essential question: was airing such a sensitive incident necessary? The portrayal of Saleng in this public arena arguably paints him in a negative light and raises alarming concerns regarding how Orlando Pirates navigates internal conflicts.
Airing moments that delve into a player's vulnerabilities, particularly concerning mental health, can come off as a breach of trust. While transparency is important, it appears that the club has chosen to use the documentary as a shield, deflecting blame rather than supporting one of their most gifted players during a challenging phase.
This decision to present Saleng's struggles publicly may serve to win a narrative battle, but it undoubtedly risks the morale and trust within the squad.
However, supporters of the club may argue that such openness is necessary to provide fans with an authentic, unfiltered look behind the scenes of a professional football club. The response from fans will likely vary, with loyalists desiring transparency while others may question the ethical ramifications of revealing a player's struggles.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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