Orlando Pirates had a chance to sell winger Monnapur Saren when he was in high demand, but they passed on the opportunity.
Saren had a great performance last year, scoring 15 goals in all competitions and winning the MTN 8 Last Man Standing and DSTV Premiership Players Player of the Season awards at the 2023 PSL Awards.
He played a key role in the team's two domestic cup titles and last season was the only player in the top flight to score in double figures in both goals and assists across all competitions.
Saudi Arabian team Al Nasr were interested in signing Saren, offering R37.3 million a year, including incentives and bonuses, to bring him to the Middle East. However, Orlando Pirates valued Saren at R75 million and decided not to sell him.
Orlando Pirates star Saren gets another chance…
The Buccaneers started the following season with high hopes for Salen, but he did not perform as well as expected. As a result, manager Jose Ribeiro left Saren on the bench and replaced him with Lelebohile Mofokeng and Thembinkosi Lorhi on the wings. However, with Lorch leaving for Sundowns and Lesedi Kapinga failing to live up to expectations, Ribeiro reinstated Saren into the team.
Saren seized the opportunity and scored two goals in the Soweto derby win against Kaizer Chiefs. Since then, he has continued to play reasonably well, but not to the same level as in 2022/23.
Saren could have left for R75 million
The question remains: Should Orlando Pirates have sold Monapur Saren last season? The team needs to strengthen its squad with quality players to match Mamelodi Sundowns. A lack of quality forwards and solid defense has hindered the Buccaneers' progress this season.
Saren is unlikely to have much of an impact at the club next season.
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