Former Orlando Pirates star breaks silence on Saleng’s absence

Former Orlando Pirates star breaks silence on Monnapule Saleng’s mysterious absence and the dangers of ignoring mental health.

Pirates forward Saleng recently returned to training after vanishing from the spotlight for over three months, sparking concern and speculation among fans and football insiders. While the exact details remain under wraps, one thing is clear, his disappearance left more questions than answers.

Salary dispute? Contract drama? Saleng’s silent battle

According to multiple local media reports, the 26-year-old Saleng had allegedly been unhappy with his salary structure. Others suggested ongoing contract disputes, including confusion over whether the Buccaneers held an option to renew his deal, which was reportedly set to expire at the end of the season.

Though the situation now appears to be under control, the Orlando Pirates community is left wondering about the emotional and psychological toll the ordeal may have taken on the Bafana Bafana forward.

Zongo’s advice: ‘Once you bottle things inside, it’ll kill you slowly‘

During Saleng’s time away, he reportedly avoided contact with former players who reached out to help. One of them, ex-SuperSport United and Platinum Stars winger Masibusane Zongo, didn’t hold back when he addressed the psychological challenges that players silently endure.

“Therapy and people talking to you, I only got that when I got to Platinum Stars, they used to organize people to talk to us, some ex-players,” Zongo shared on the Trap and Pass YouTube Channel, as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

Zongo believes players need to stop suffering in silence and start leaning on those who’ve walked the same path.

“I’d advise players from today that if they get a chance to get (psychological) help, they should listen to those people, because they are talking from experience,” he urged.

“Most players don’t like to share, especially private and confidential things but I’d advise them to go and open up and talk, because once you bottle things inside, trust me those things are gonna kill you slowly but surely.”

Is Saleng really ready to return?

With Saleng reportedly back in training, Orlando Pirates supporters are hopeful about his comeback. But the big question remains, is he mentally ready to step back into competitive football?

Zongo’s comments shine a spotlight on an issue that professional football often overlooks mental health. As the pressure of performance mounts, so too does the need for support behind the scenes. Saleng’s recent journey might just be the wake-up call South African football needs.

Stay tuned with The South African as former Orlando Pirates star breaks silence on Saleng’s mysterious absence.

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