Orlando Pirates produced a massive result against MC Alger with a 1-0 victory over their Algerian hosts in their Caf Champions League first-leg quarter-final on Tuesday, but it was achieved without the services of Monnapule Saleng.
Pirates secured the vital win away from home courtesy of a Mohau Nkota strike just after the hour mark at Stade du 5 Juillet, in a match they were completely outplayed.
Pirates had just four shots at goal compared to the 21 of Algeria, and had just 31% of the ball.
By all accounts, it was a commendable result for the Soweto Giants.
Saleng's surprising absence: 26-year-old winger missing from Pirates' lineup despite training
However, it had been expected that Saleng may have at least been included on the bench for the clash.
Saleng had been seen training with the squad in footage released by the club over the weekend.
Saleng was seen on the training field and in the gym in the footage, which is a first this year.
For whatever reason (though there has been plenty of speculation), the 26-year-old winger has been a notable absentee from the Pirates’ lineup for almost four months now.
A couple of weeks ago, it surfaced that it might be due to a failed move abroad and dissatisfaction with his wages at the club.
The club, though, did not confirm this information.
After a move to Al Ahly reportedly fell through, Saleng chose not to attend training, which led to his exclusion from the team.
Interestingly though, Jose Riveiro spoke on the Saleng issue for the first time two weeks ago.
Riveiro remains tight-lipped on Saleng's absence from Pirates
While Riveiro did not provide specific details about Saleng’s situation, his statements were quite revealing.
“I don't think about players when we win or when we don't win. I think no one would like to be in this situation when we started the season, but it is what it is,” said Riveiro.
“It’s something that, as you know, is not my role to speak so much about that issue. I just wish the best for both sides in this case, and we don't... whatever I say is going to be a big headline, right?”
Saleng was last in action for Pirates on December 7 when they hosted Al Ahly in a Caf Champions League match at Orlando Stadium, which ended in a goalless draw.
Saleng, however, was selected for Bafana Bafana in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier in Bloemfontein last month and, by all accounts, delivered a top performance.