Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has once again remained tight-lipped when quizzed about the availability of winger Monnapule Saleng, who was spotted in the Bucs camp as they gear up for their crucial CAF Champions League encounter.

The Soweto Giants will host Ivorian outfit Stade d ’ Abidjan at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (18:00), with the chance of moving to top of the Group C.

This after the group was thrown wide open after Khanyisa Mayo’s CR Belouizdad beat Percy Tau’s Al Ahly in the Group C match in Algeria on Friday. 

While Pirates aim to consolidate their credentials on the continental and local scene, Saleng’s absence from the squad continues to be subject to speculation. The 26-year-old has missed nine matches across all competitions this season.

In the last campaign, the ex-Moroka Swallows player missed eight games across different competitions and was an unused substitute in as many Betway Premiership outings. This was after he reportedly caught the eye of Al Nasr SC in the UAE, but a move was not sanctioned.

Following a brief return into the fold in Pirates’ stalemate with Al Ahly, Saleng has missed the last three matches, and the Spanish mentor is mum on the possibility of the attacker featuring against the Ivorian giants.

“Obviously I’m not going to tell you 24 hours before the match, who’s available or who’s not, firstly because we still have a training session, so once we finish the training we will know who’s available and who is not, ”said Riveiro.

“And I think you will probably understand that I’m not going to say anything about who is going to be in the 20 [matchday squad] or the starting XI or who is not going to be [available] because those small things are also playing the game for our opponents.

“Our opponents would like to know who is going to play, our opponents are not going to have access to that information. So, I’m not going to tell you who is in or who is out, I’m sure that you can understand,” he added.

Despite limited game time for a player of his caliber, Saleng has scored five goals and provided one assist in 13 appearances in all competitions this season while featuring thrice in the league with the last match against Richards Bay in November 2024.

With the transfer window open, uncertainty continues to surround the left-footed attacker’s future at the Sea Robbers where he established himself as an important figure with crucial goals and assists from the onset.