We want to retain our Premiership status not sell it, says Orbit coach
Image: BackpagePix
Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye has made it clear that the club's main goal in their debut season in the top flight is to secure their Premiership status by the end of the campaign. Orbit were one of two teams from the NFD Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) to earn promotion to the Premiership.
Their journey to the top came through sheer determination, having edged out two tough opponents—Casric Stars and Cape Town City—in the promotion play-offs.
Now, with their eyes set on competing at the highest level, Makhoye believes that sticking to what already works is the best approach.
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Image: Independent Media
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The Mswenko Boys clinched the PSL promotion/relegation play-offs at their first attempt after finishing second in the league, five points behind champions Durban City. After ending the 2023/24 season in ninth place, Orbit had set a top-three target for the following campaign—a goal they successfully achieved.
As they prepare for life in the Premiership, Makhoye emphasised that their immediate aim is to survive the drop.
'We want to save our status and remain in the Premiership,' Makhoye told Independent Newspapers.
The long-serving coach, who has been with the club since its inception, confirmed he will remain in charge. He stated that much of what the team has been doing will stay unchanged despite the promotion.
'Nothing changes; we have beaten a PSL team, and the training will remain the same. We have been running this team professionally since the ABC Motsepe League.
'It's only the league that changes, and we are just happy that we have moved from the NFD to the Premier League.
'Nothing will change; the same players who promoted us will compete in the Premiership. We proved it when we played against Cape Town City.
'We have also played friendly games with Premiership teams—Sekhukhune United, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns. We will have the same players, coach, technical team, and stadium.'
Orbit are currently on a short break following a demanding play-off schedule and are expected to resume training in the coming week. They have already moved swiftly to secure the services of former midfielder Monnapule Saleng on loan from Pirates.
The club's promotion marks the return of top-flight football to the North West province for the first time since the relegation of Platinum Stars. Makhoye expressed pride in giving local fans a chance to experience elite football close to home.
'We are used to the feeling of being a professional side in the province,' Makhoye continued.
'At least for the past two years we have known that we are a professional team, so this will not be new to us—even in our thinking.
'It is just about changing the league, but they are all governed by the PSL; we just have to remain humble.
'We want to ensure that we retain our status and remain in the league, as we did in the MFC.
'We will also bring top-flight games to the North West province because many people wanted to see Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates, and Sundowns coming to the province. So we are happy and proud of ourselves.'
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