Monnapule Saleng Embraces Emotional Return to Orbit College on Loan
Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng has officially broken his silence following a surprise loan move to newly promoted Orbit College, a club deeply rooted in his football journey. The 27-year-old, once the toast of Soweto after a stellar 2023/24 season, is heading back to familiar territory with hopes of rekindling the form that made him a continental star.
Saleng has been sidelined for months, last featuring in a competitive match during South Africa’s CHAN qualifier in March. His absence from the pitch stretches further back to December 2024, reportedly due to a contractual dispute with Orlando Pirates that left fans and pundits speculating about his future.
Despite whispers of a permanent exit from the Buccaneers, the club appears to have exercised their option to extend his contract and found a middle ground in the form of a loan deal. That destination—Orbit College—holds emotional significance for Saleng. It’s the very place he sharpened his skills before launching his professional career with Free State Stars, eventually attracting the attention of the Pirates.
At the launch of Orbit’s new kit in the North West on Friday, Saleng shared heartfelt reflections on his return. “First of all, I would like to thank God, the Man Above, for being here at Orbit, for being back home,” he said. “I am very happy to be back home, and I thank God for giving me strength and aligning me with a return to Orbit.”
His words painted a picture of relief and renewal, as he expressed joy in rejoining the club at a pivotal moment. Orbit College recently gained promotion to the topflight, and Saleng sees his comeback as a full-circle moment.
“Going back to Orbit after a great campaign they had… I loved that they gained promotion and that I could come back home,” he added. “Because being home is something that brings happiness. You can never lose home. No matter what, no matter where you go, you can’t lose home.”
This move may offer the dribbling maestro a chance to reset. After lighting up the 2023/24 campaign with 15 goals and 11 assists in 30 appearances, Saleng’s momentum stalled. But at Orbit, where the environment is familiar and the expectations different, he has the opportunity to rebuild his rhythm and confidence.
With the new season kicking off in early August with the MTN8 tournament, all eyes will be on Saleng to see whether this homecoming can relaunch his career trajectory and remind fans why he was once one of the most feared attackers on the African continent.
