Monnapule Saleng Impresses in First Matches for Orbit College After Pirates Loan Return

Monnapule Saleng has made a strong return to competitive football with Orbit College, earning praise from coach Pogiso Makhoye after completing two full 90-minute matches. The 27-year-old is on loan from Orlando Pirates and has not played official club minutes since December 7, 2024, when he featured against Al Ahly.

Saleng also appeared for Bafana Bafana in the CHAN qualifiers against Egypt in early March, but there was concern about how quickly he could regain match form after the long gap. Makhoye says Saleng has adapted quickly and is enjoying football again.

“I think the boy is back and you could see he is enjoying football again. Everybody is supporting him, even the teammates. He is one of our leaders and when we took out Atisang Batsi, he had the armband,” Makhoye said.

The coach highlighted Saleng’s influence on the pitch, noting his goal contributions and chance creation. “Even that goal, he was helping Letsie Koapeng and also had two big chances. I think he still needs match sharpness and once he gets his sharpness, he will bury those chances. I’m happy he created chances, and you could see today he really came for the team.”

Makhoye added that Saleng’s presence affects opponents and creates opportunities for other players. “If we have Saleng in the team it means that now he is helping us because the opponents are worried, and they know how dangerous Saleng is, and he is opening the spaces for the other players. Like right now with that ball everyone was worried about Saleng and he just came in and hit the net.”

Despite not playing in the Betway Premier League recently, Saleng maintained his fitness through regular training with Pirates. Makhoye stressed that his sharpness has been preserved, with only the need to fully integrate with his new teammates. “Even when we got him, we knew that he was fit because he has been playing friendlies and those friendlies were preparing him for match days. So, that is why his sharpness is still there and he is only trying to understand his teammates. With the two games we have played, he is getting there.”

Saleng’s early performances indicate he is on track to regain full match form and could become a key figure for Orbit College this season.