Just like that, it was manna from football heaven when Monnapule Saleng's management company issued a statement at midday on Sunday.
Saleng has been a hot topic in local football due to his absence from Orlando Pirates' squad. This unexplained absence has sparked heated debate on social media.
It comes as no surprise, given that Saleng is one of the finest talents in the PSL. His impact has been so significant that, just a few weeks ago, he was a transfer target for Egyptian giants Al Ahly, CAF's African Club of the Century.
Saleng last played for Pirates on December 7 last year against Al Ahly in the CAF Champions League group stage. Since then, he has been conspicuously absent, and Pirates have remained completely silent on the matter.
His continued absence has ignited controversy, especially as Pirates prepare for the CAF Champions League quarter-finals. The situation is perplexing, given that Saleng is a player for big moments, possessing the temperament to shine in crucial games.
Interest in Saleng surged on Friday when Safa named him in Bafana Bafana's squad for the upcoming CHAN (African Nations Championship) games against Egypt next month.
True to form, Pirates have not commented on his inclusion. However, a media report stated that the club will not stand in his way. This is good news for local fans, and many are likely to attend Bafana Bafana’s home leg against Egypt.
The management company’s statement reads, in part: "We are aware of the ongoing speculation surrounding our client Saleng.
“While we have refrained from making public comments due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the matter, our silence should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the narrative being presented against him.
“This matter involves significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution. Our client remains committed to addressing these matters through the appropriate legal and professional channels."
This statement says a lot without revealing much. After weeks of speculation, it suggests that Saleng and Pirates have been at odds for undisclosed reasons.
Whatever the issue, it should have been resolved by now. If Saleng was at fault, he and his management should have addressed it and ensured his return to action. Many players, due to a lack of knowledge, have acted unprofessionally over the years, while their handlers often fail to intervene appropriately.
Alternatively, Pirates may have treated Saleng unfairly. He has been a transfer target for some time, with reports indicating that the club received offers for him. South African clubs have a history of treating players with contempt, an issue highlighted by Africa’s Bosman-type ruling in the Cape High Court in 2001.
The case of local player Andre Coetzee granted South African players the same freedom of contract that Jean-Marc Bosman secured in Europe. This ruling ensured PSL clubs could no longer charge transfer fees for players whose contracts had expired.
The news that Pirates will not block Saleng from playing for Bafana Bafana will be welcomed by local football fans. However, it remains to be seen whether Pirates will retaliate by informing Safa that Saleng is unavailable for the CHAN matches. Watch this space.