Monnapule Saleng is a South African professional footballer who plays as a winger. He is widely recognized for his exceptional skills on the field and his remarkable achievements with Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. The talented winger rose to prominence after winning multiple prestigious awards, including the MTN 8 Last Man Standing and DSTV Premiership Players’ Player Of The Season at the 2023 PSL Awards.
Monnapule Saleng Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Monnapule Kenneth Saleng |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | March 13, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old (as of November 2025) |
| Place of birth | Rustenburg, North West, South Africa |
| Current residence | Rustenburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black (Setswana) |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 128 lbs (58 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown |
| Marital status | Single |
| Alma mater | Orbit TVET College |
| Profession | Professional footballer (winger) |
| Current team | Orbit College (on loan from Orlando Pirates) |
| Jersey number | 10 |
| Net worth | Estimated R10.5 million ($580,000) |
Who is Monnapule Saleng?
Monnapule Kenneth Saleng is a highly talented South African footballer who has established himself as one of the country’s most exciting wingers. Born on March 13, 1998, in Rustenburg, North West, the 27-year-old athlete has captured the attention of football fans across the nation with his exceptional dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability.
Saleng’s journey from humble beginnings to professional football stardom is truly inspiring. He currently plays on loan for Orbit College, the same club where his professional career began. The winger holds a special place in South African football history after becoming the 2020-21 National First Division top scorer with 13 goals in 29 matches.
His breakthrough came at Orlando Pirates, where he became a household name during the 2022-23 season. The footballer’s contributions on the pitch earned him recognition as one of the Premier Soccer League’s most valuable players. He represents South Africa at the international level, having made his debut for Bafana Bafana in 2021.
How old is Monnapule Saleng? Age and birthday
Monnapule Saleng is 27 years old as of November 2025. He was born on March 13, 1998, in Rustenburg, located in the North West province of South Africa. His zodiac sign is Pisces, which is often associated with creativity and intuition. The footballer celebrates his birthday every year on the 13th of March.
What is Monnapule Saleng’s net worth and salary?
As of 2025, Monnapule Saleng’s net worth is estimated at approximately R10.5 million, which converts to around $580,000. The footballer has accumulated his wealth primarily through his professional football career, including salaries, bonuses, and endorsement deals.
According to multiple reports, Saleng currently earns R70,000 per month at Orlando Pirates, translating to an annual salary of R840,000. This salary has been a subject of discussion, with the player’s representatives suggesting he deserves better compensation given his market value and contributions to the team. Reports in 2023 indicated that Saudi Arabian club Al Nasr was interested in signing him, with Orlando Pirates placing a R75 million price tag on the winger.
During his loan spell at Moroka Swallows, Saleng reportedly earned R150,000 per month, significantly higher than his current Pirates salary. The disparity in earnings has reportedly caused some tension between the player and the club management. Despite the salary concerns, Saleng remains one of the valuable assets in South African football, with his market value estimated at approximately €1 million by Transfermarkt.
Monnapule Saleng’s career
Early career beginnings
Monnapule Saleng’s football journey began at Orbit TVET College, where he played in the SAFA Second Division between 2017 and 2019. Growing up in Rustenburg, he developed a passion for football from a young age. His father initially wanted him to focus on academics and sent him to a boarding school at age 12, not seeing a future in football for his son. However, Saleng’s determination and natural talent could not be suppressed.
During his time at Orbit College, the young winger caught the attention of scouts with his impressive performances. His speed, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instincts made him stand out among his peers. Coach Pogisho Makhoye played a crucial role in nurturing his talent during those formative years.
Rise through the ranks
In 2019, Saleng joined Free State Stars in the National First Division, marking a significant step in his professional career. This move proved to be transformative for the young footballer. During the 2020-21 season, he became the league’s top scorer with 13 goals in 29 matches, a remarkable achievement that put him on the radar of Premier Division clubs.
His stellar performances for Free State Stars demonstrated his readiness for top-flight football. The winger’s ability to find the back of the net consistently, combined with his work rate and technical skills, made him one of the most sought-after players in the division.
Orlando Pirates breakthrough
In July 2021, Monnapule Saleng signed with Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs. However, he was immediately loaned to Moroka Swallows for the 2021-22 season to gain Premier Division experience. At Swallows, he made 22 league appearances and scored two goals, adapting well to the higher level of competition.
Saleng returned to Orlando Pirates for the 2022-23 season, where he truly announced his arrival on the big stage. He scored five goals in his first eight matches, becoming an instant fan favorite at the Buccaneers. His explosive start to the season showcased his ability to perform under pressure at the highest level of South African football.
Peak performance and awards
The 2022-23 season proved to be Saleng’s breakthrough campaign. He finished the season with 15 goals in all competitions, playing a pivotal role as Orlando Pirates finished as runners-up in the league. His contributions extended beyond goals, as he provided crucial assists and created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.
His outstanding performances earned him two prestigious awards at the 2023 PSL Awards ceremony. Saleng won the MTN 8 Last Man Standing accolade and the coveted DSTV Premiership Players’ Player Of The Season award, cementing his status as one of South Africa’s top footballers. These accolades recognized his impact on the field and his importance to his team’s success.
Recent developments
In the 2023-24 season, Saleng continued to be an important player for Orlando Pirates, making 27 appearances and scoring five goals across all competitions. However, challenges emerged during the 2024-25 season. The winger found himself in and out of the starting lineup, leading to concerns about his future at the club.
In July 2025, Orlando Pirates agreed to loan Saleng to newly-promoted Orbit College for the 2025-26 season. The move represented a homecoming for the player, returning to the club where his career began. Despite the loan move, Saleng remains contracted to Orlando Pirates until June 2027, with reports suggesting the contract was extended to 2028. At Orbit College, he has shown glimpses of his best form, scoring goals and providing assists to help the team compete in their debut Premier Division season.
International career with Bafana Bafana
Monnapule Saleng made his international debut for South Africa in 2021. His first major tournament came at the 2021 COSAFA Cup, where he started in the opening match against Botswana, which South Africa won 1-0. He made six appearances as Bafana Bafana went on to win the tournament, marking a successful start to his international career.
In November 2022, Saleng received call-ups for friendly matches against Angola and Mozambique under coach Hugo Broos. He earned a total of 13 caps for the national team during his international career. While he has yet to score for Bafana Bafana, his performances have demonstrated his ability to compete at the international level. His pace and attacking prowess make him a valuable option for the South African national team setup.
Is Monnapule Saleng married? Wife, girlfriend, and relationship status
As of November 2025, Monnapule Saleng is not married. The footballer maintains a private personal life, keeping details about his romantic relationships away from the public eye. While social media posts and fan pages occasionally speculate about his relationship status, Saleng has not publicly confirmed any romantic partner.
There have been mentions on social media platforms of a possible girlfriend, but the footballer has not officially addressed these rumors. He appears to be focused primarily on his football career, especially following his loan move to Orbit College. Saleng does not have any children.
The 27-year-old winger prefers to keep his personal life separate from his professional career. He rarely discusses his romantic life in interviews, choosing instead to focus on football-related topics. This approach has helped him maintain privacy despite his high profile in South African football.
Monnapule Saleng’s family background
Monnapule Saleng comes from a humble family in Rustenburg, North West. He lost his father when he was still young, a tragedy that deeply affected him and shaped his determination to succeed. Following his father’s passing, Saleng became the breadwinner for his family, supporting his mother and elder brother through his football career.
His parents, particularly his father before his passing, initially had reservations about him pursuing football professionally. His father wanted him to focus on education and sent him to boarding school at age 12, believing academics offered a more secure future. However, Saleng’s passion for the game remained unwavering.
In early 2025, Saleng’s parents made headlines when they spoke to the media about their son’s struggles at Orlando Pirates. They expressed concerns about his well-being, claiming he was experiencing depression due to limited playing time and salary disputes with the club. The family’s public statements highlighted the close relationship Saleng maintains with his relatives and their concern for his welfare.
Saleng speaks Setswana as his home language, and his roots in the North West province remain important to him. Despite his success, he has maintained strong ties to his community and continues to support his family financially. His journey from a small town to professional football stardom serves as an inspiration to many young South Africans from similar backgrounds.
Monnapule Saleng’s height and weight
Monnapule Saleng stands 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is equivalent to 1.77 meters or 177 centimeters. His height is well-suited for a winger, giving him a good balance between speed and physical presence. The footballer weighs approximately 128 pounds or 58 kilograms, maintaining a lean and athletic physique that supports his playing style.
His body type is classified as average and lean, which provides him with the agility and quickness needed to excel in his position. As a right-footed winger who can play on either flank, Saleng’s physical attributes complement his technical abilities. His speed, combined with his height and weight, allows him to navigate tight spaces and accelerate past defenders with ease.
The footballer maintains his fitness through rigorous training regimens and proper nutrition. His physical conditioning is crucial to his ability to perform at the highest level of South African football. Saleng’s build allows him to withstand the physical demands of the Premier Division while maintaining the explosiveness that makes him dangerous in attacking situations.
Fast facts about Monnapule Saleng
- Award winner: Monnapule Saleng won two major awards at the 2023 PSL Awards – the MTN 8 Last Man Standing and DSTV Premiership Players’ Player Of The Season.
- Top scorer achievement: He became the 2020-21 National First Division top scorer with 13 goals in 29 matches while playing for Free State Stars.
- International tournament winner: Saleng was part of the South Africa squad that won the 2021 COSAFA Cup, making six appearances during the tournament.
- Homecoming: He returned to Orbit College on loan in July 2025, the same club where he started his professional career in the SAFA Second Division.
- Multi-trophy winner: During his time at Orlando Pirates, Saleng won three MTN 8 Cup titles and two Nedbank Cup trophies, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
- Language skills: The footballer speaks Setswana as his home language and conducts interviews in both Setswana and English.
- Career statistics: As of 2025, Saleng has scored 25 goals and provided 17 assists in 70 matches for Orlando Pirates across all competitions, giving him a combined goal contribution of 42.
- International experience: He has earned 13 caps for the South African national team, Bafana Bafana, since making his debut in 2021.
- Social media presence: Saleng maintains an active presence on social media platforms where he connects with fans and shares updates about his career.
- Jersey number: He wears the number 10 jersey at Orbit College, a number traditionally associated with creative and attacking players.
Read more: Thembinkosi Mthembu: Biography, age, net worth, wife, daughter, career, awards
Wrapping up
Monnapule Saleng’s journey from Rustenburg to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognized footballers is a testament to his dedication and talent. At 27 years old, the winger has already achieved significant milestones, including winning major PSL awards and representing his country at the international level. Currently on loan at Orbit College from Orlando Pirates, Saleng continues to showcase the skills that made him a fan favorite. With an estimated net worth of R10.5 million and a career still developing, the future holds exciting possibilities for this talented South African footballer as he works to revive his form and potentially secure a return to the national team setup.
References
- Inquire Salary. “Monnapule Saleng Salary and Net Worth in Rands 2025”. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- Wikipedia. “Monnapule Saleng”. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- News24 City Press. “The making of Saleng: From Bloemhof via Rusty, to Esigodini sika Maminzela”. November 13, 2022.
- Orlando Pirates FC. “Saleng Bags Twin Accolades in 2023 PSL Awards”. May 29, 2023.
- Transfermarkt. “Monnapule Saleng – Player profile 25/26”. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
- Briefly.co.za. “All about Monnapule Saleng: Current team, transfer news and home town”. January 21, 2024.
- iDiski Times. “Saleng Stars As Orbit Thump Magesi”. November 1, 2025.
- ESPN. “Monnapule Saleng Biography”. Retrieved November 4, 2025.
Sarah Mitchell – Founder & Editor-in-Chief. With 6 years covering entertainment for outlets like Entertainment Weekly and People, Sarah brings deep industry knowledge and an extensive network of sources. She’s interviewed over 500 celebrities, covered 12 Oscar ceremonies, and has an uncanny ability to spot fake stories from miles away.
