Orlando Pirates have some surprising names in their top earners bracket. Monnapule Saleng is conspicuous by his absence.
Orlando Pirates top earners
According to Briefly, the club’s earner is taking home R500,000 a month, information corroborated by salarypedia.co.za. Here goes, with all figures mentioned as monthly salaries:
- 1. Deon Hotto: R500,000
- 2. Evidence Makgopa: R200,000
- 3. Innocent Maela: R150,000
- 4. Zakhele Lepasa: R150,000
- 5. Goodman Mosele: R150,000
For context, key central defender Olisa Ndah is collecting just R107,000 a month. Miguel Timm takes home R120,000. Would you say that the Pirates wage bill is distorted or lopsided?
Hotto’s time with Pirates is drawing to a close
Hotto, a star for Namibia at Afcon 2023, has been a rock-solid operator down the left-hand side of the Pirates team. Equally adept in defence or midfield, he’s a manager’s dream. At 34, however, his contract expires in June and is unlikely to be extended as he’s currently on R500k a month. The vastly experienced star has 65 caps and 10 goals for his country. He’s made 18 appearances in the Betway Premiership this season with three goals and four assists. To say he’ll be difficult to replace is a gross understatement. Will they live to regret letting him go? There are at least two more years left in his legs at the top level. Also, put Hotto in almost any position on the pitch and he’ll give you a solid performance.
Here’s one fan’s sentiments:
“I don’t know who must come out of this Pirates side to give way for the evergreen Hotto, who hasn’t tasted a bad day at the office since the current season began. His work rate is unmatched in the PSL at the moment.”
Rulani to replace Riveiro?
Rulani Mokwena is the favourite to replace Jose Riveiro as head coach of Orlando Pirates, according to The Citizen.
“Yes, it’s true that Pitso’s name had come up in the management meetings and was the leading candidate to replace Riveiro, but that changed since Wydad announced that they will release Mokwena at the end of the season. He is now the leading candidate,” said a source.
Soweto Derby double-header loading for Orlando Pirates
As fate would have it, Pirates and Chiefs meet twice in quick succession at the sharp end of the 2024-2025 campaign. First, they do battle in the Betway Premiership on Saturday, 03 May at 15:00. Then, they meet in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday, 10 May. Mfundo Vilakazi will not be available for the Glamour Boys as he’ll be on Afcon U20 duty. Bucs defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is also part of the U20 Afcon group, but Pirates are keen to withdraw him to have the teenager available for the clashes against Chiefs.
Does Saleng deserve more cash?
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