Monnapule Saleng saga shows SA clubs have Carte Blanche - player agent

With no fresh updates on the Monnapule Saleng saga at Orlando Pirates, South African sports agent Gary Cassisa has suggested a restructuring of conditions in player contracts in South African football.

The 26-year-old Saleng has been a bizarre absentee from the Pirates lineup going on three months, and last week it emerged that it may be due to a failed move abroad and unhappiness over his wages at the club.

After a move to Al Ahly reportedly fell through, Saleng opted not to attend training, which prompted his exclusion from the side since.

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.

Top showing for Bafana Bafana

Saleng, however, was selected for Bafana Bafana in their African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier in Bloemfontein last week and, by all accounts, delivered a top performance.

Casisa spoke in a Mike Morton Talks Football YouTube video, revealing how he thought the system needed to change.

“Unless you've got to buy our clause in your contract or a fixed transfer fee, then literally, they’ve got clubs with Carte Blanche in terms of what they can ask for in transfer fees,” said Casisa.

“I think player negotiations or player transfers would be a lot more structured [and] easier if we do away with the options. There's no such thing as options in rugby. You work for two or three years, then that's it.”

The way players are immediately snubbed if they tell the club they want to leave, is also another bone of contention for Casisa.

“What clubs do when players don't want to commit to a new contract is put them out of the team, where they are not allowed to play or train, which I think is ridiculous!

“At the end of the day, you're paying this player to be on holiday; no, he's here to do his job. If he wants to go to another club, then so be it.”

@Michael_Sherman

IOL Sport