Saleng Breaks Silence After Joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Fans Question Statement
Monnapule Saleng has spoken publicly for the first time since completing his shock move from Orlando Pirates to Mamelodi Sundowns, releasing a farewell message that has sparked as much debate as his transfer itself.
A statement attributed to Saleng and shared on Instagram thanked Pirates for his time at the club and reflected on a journey filled with both highs and lows. The message read:
“Thank you for the opportunity you extended to me.
I am profoundly honoured to have been a part of this extraordinary team. While my tenure with the organisation has concluded, the experiences I have gathered, marked by both triumphs and setbacks, hardships, and hard-won victories, cherished friendships and unbreakable bonds will remain indelibly etched in my memory.
It is with a mixture of heartfelt joy and solemn melancholy that I bid farewell, carrying forward the invaluable lessons and the spirit of this remarkable team.”
The message marked Saleng’s first known comment since his unexpected exit from the Buccaneers, where he leaves behind a strong statistical record. During his Pirates spell, the winger made 70 appearances, scoring 25 goals and registering 16 assists, numbers that underline why his move to a direct rival has drawn such intense attention.
However, the tone and wording of the statement immediately became a talking point among supporters. Many fans questioned whether the message genuinely came from Saleng, noting that he is not known to be active on social media and suggesting the language felt uncharacteristically formal. One supporter wrote, “Saleng is NOT on social media,” while another joked, “Lol, and Saleng wrote all that?” Others went further, claiming, “This statement was definitely not written by Saleng,” and, “That’s not Saleng, he would have thanked God first.”
Some fans speculated that the statement was prepared by a media or management team, with one comment reading, “Sundowns media team already at work,” while another bluntly added, “You ain’t fooling us.” Despite the scepticism, a section of supporters focused less on the wording and more on wishing the player well as he begins a new chapter.
On the football side, the debate has also been fuelled by comments from Sundowns legend Shakes Ngwenya, who declared that Saleng is now playing for the best club in the PSL, a remark widely interpreted as a playful dig at Pirates and analyst Cheezboy Mokoena. Whether Saleng can replicate — or even improve on — his Pirates form at Sundowns remains the central question, especially given the competition for places in Chloorkop’s star-studded squad.
For now, Saleng finds himself under the spotlight not only for his footballing ability, but also for a farewell message that has divided opinion. As the dust settles, his performances in yellow are likely to determine how this move — and his words — are ultimately remembered.