Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro remained coy about the fitness and availability of star winger Monnapule Saleng ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League clash against Al Ahly on Saturday (15:00).

Saleng has mysteriously missed the past two matches – against CR Belouizdad in the first group stage match last weekend and also the shocking loss at home to Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership last weekend. 

The former PSL Players’ Player of the Season started this season on fire, scoring five goals and there was a thought that Saleng might return to his best that saw him helped Pirates win the double in the 2022/23 season after a poor campaign last term.  

But he has been mired by injuries and unknown reasons, which has led to his disappearance and fans have been asking themselves what happened to their best player this season.  

However, the winger was seen training with Pirates on Friday as they host 12^th times CAF Champions League at Orlando Stadium.  

Despite this, Riveiro kept his cards close to his chest:

“What I can tell you is that, we are training right now with 36 players available for selection,” said Riveiro. 

“Luckily, even the long-term injuries are coming right. It was a small group of players and four exactly who are not available and everybody is pushing this week to be part of the 20 players, to be part of the starting 11 and that is the good news for the team.”   

In Saleng’s absence, Mohau Nkota has stepped up and impressed with his performances, particularly his two goals against CR Belouizdad last week. Nkota’s emergence has provided a potential solution to the team’s attacking woes on the left wing.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly will be aiming to break their 15-match winless streak in South Africa in the Champions League.

A victory against Pirates would be a significant milestone for the Egyptian giants, who have won the Champions League 12 times including twice in the last two seasons but have suffered huge losses in South Africa at the hands of Mamelodi Sundowns.