Despite enjoying success this season, Orlando Pirates face scrutiny over their attacking capabilities, with former midfielder Michael Morton expressing concerns about the team's depth, particularly on the right wing. The Buccaneers currently sit second in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) standings, amassing 36 points from 15 matches, 12 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, but they have three games in hand. Their domestic success includes winning the MTN8 title, where they secured their third consecutive championship with a 3-1 victory over Stellenbosch FC.
Their achievements extend to the continental stage as well, where Pirates have reached the quarterfinals of the CAF Champions League. Currently, they remain undefeated, boasting seven wins and three draws across ten matches. Despite their strong showing, Morton has pinpointed a significant deficiency: the absence of Monnapule Saleng, which has left the team lacking depth on the right wing.
Morton pointed to the reliance on Deon Hotto and Mohau Nkota to cover Saleng’s position. “They’re lacking in depth, the fact Saleng is still missing. But they’ve been using Hotto forward and [Mohau] Nkota where Saleng should be playing [on the wing],” Morton stated to FARPost. While Nikola's performances have drawn some praise, the position still seems vulnerable, as Morton pointed out Saleng has not been seen since December 2024, when he played against Al Ahly.
During his time on the pitch this season, Saleng has scored five goals and provided one assist over 13 matches across all competitions, including scoring the decisive goal against Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final. His absence is felt as the team’s attacking strategies seem to falter without him. Morton remarked, "Nkota has impressed. Hotto has been doing well there, but in most of the games, he’s been playing left-back and then moving to the wing." Such adjustments complicate game plans and draw focus away from their primary attacking strategies.
The press and fans are eager for clarity about Saleng’s situation; as Morton noted, “Ideally, no one knows what is going on with Saleng. People can say all they want, but it will be just speculation. The club should just address the matter, whatever it is.” The prolonged uncertainty around his condition not only affects team performance but also raises questions about the direction the club intends to take amid their competitive successes this season.
While Morton’s remarks focus on the right wing’s challenges, his evaluation indirectly highlights the larger concern of how injuries can impact even the most successful teams. With the current domestic and continental achievements, the Pirates have also been knocked out of the Carling Knockout Cup earlier than hoped, signaling there’s room for improvement and adaptation even within success.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Pirates manage their attacking options moving forward, especially if Saleng’s absence continues. The upcoming fixtures will be pivotal not only for their standings but also for how they address the attacking void left by his absence. It's time for the club to take action and provide clarity on the situation at hand if they hope to keep their aspirations alive this season.