A former Orlando Pirates darling who made many a fan dance in the stands with joyhas weighed in on the situation between the club and star player Monnapule Saleng.
Saleng, who last played for Pirates in December 2024, is currently not being frozen out of the squad, with sources indicating contractual issues between the two parties are behind that development.
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"It's sad to hear he wants to leave because he is a good player," notes Steve Lekoelea.
"But that's football. It's like [in] any workplace, if you want a raise, you have to fight for it - and that's how it is. Prices have gone up, but salaries remain the same.
"And it's not just Saleng; expect more players to feel the same way. Football is exactly like the taxi industry, people are always shooting each other there. That's just the culture.
"I don't want Saleng to leave Pirates; he is a valuable player. He is one of the few who can help the team beat [Mamelodi] Sundowns with ease," says 'Chippa'.
Lekoelea, himself a winger in his heyday, adds that ultimately, it is up to the two parties involved to resolve the impasse.
"I wish I could intervene and tell Pirates to give him what he needs.
"The problem is that Monnapule Saleng is unhappy. I hope he can be patient, finish his existing contract, and that both parties can sit down and find a resolution. We definitely need Saleng in the squad."
Lekoelea notes that it's clear Pirates are missing the former Free State Stars man.
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"We can't be relying on [Relebohile] Mofokeng every week, we need more options.
"Imagine the combination of Saleng, Mofokeng, and [Mohau] Nkota. That would create real challenges for the opposition defenders, who won't know who to mark.
"With Saleng in the team, Mofokeng would score a lot of goals. Saleng's presence would provide many options for the technical team.
"He is a great player, always making runs, which helps Pirates with his last-minute goals. He is a match winner who makes things happen."