
BREAKING: Monnapule Saleng set to leave Orlando Pirates!
Saleng last played for Pirates in December 2024 with no release explanation given for his absence at the time.
There have been many rumours about Saleng's situation with Pirates , with the club and his management both releasing statements. Initial rumours were that the winger was denied a lucrative opportunity abroad a couple of years back. It was also recently claimed that Egyptian giants Al Ahly had agreed a deal to sign him from the Buccaneers. That deal hitting a snag saw him disgruntled and missing training.
In March Saleng returned to action for the first time in 2025, having being sidelined by Pirates. His first bit of football came courtesy of Bafana Bafana, an impressive 90 minute outing against Egypt. This in a 1-1 draw in the African Nations Championship qualifiers first leg. However, the player did not make the squad for the second leg in Egypt the next weekend.
There had also been rumours that Saleng had signed a pre-contract with Pirates' arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs . Rumours of his exit were also fuelled by his absence as the Buccaneers resumed pre-season training. Furthermore, he was not spotted as the team departed for their pre-season camp of Spain last night.
But earlier on Tuesday this publication reported that Saleng was set to join up with Pirates in Spain later this week. But now according to the latest from SABC Sport, he is set to be loaned out to Orbit College.
'SABC Sport has established that Orlando Pirates are in advanced discussions to loan out winger Monnapule Saleng to their Betway Premiership rivals. It's understood talks are ongoing between the Soweto giants and newly promoted outfit Orbit College to help revive the players' career. To help him find his feet again, SABC Sport has been informed that Saleng is edging closer to a loan spell at Orbit College, who were promoted to the Premier Soccer League topflight last month.' Wrote the publication.
Pirates fans how do you feel about Saleng going on loan to Orbit College? Is it for the best? Or is it for the best to cut ties permanently? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
MTN8 quarter-finals herald the start of the PSL's new season
Abdeslam Ouaddou steps into the hot seat at Orlando Pirates, tasked with delivering silverware in a high-pressure season. Photo: Backpageix The Premier Soccer League will launch its 2025-26 season with the annual MTN8 quarter-finals, scheduled for the weekend. This single-leg knockout tournament features the top eight teams from last season's Premiership, and fans are eagerly awaiting the intensity of the first matches that promise to set the tone for the season ahead. Orlando Pirates will kick off the MTN8 action at the iconic Orlando Stadium, hosting Polokwane City. Pirates will be looking to showcase their squad full of new talent and embark on what they hope will be a glorious season. Among the standout signings taking centre stage is the former Polokwane star, Oswin Appollis, who returns to the pitch with a point to prove. Another addition that has garnered significant attention is the skilful Pirates midfielder Sipho 'Masterchef' Mbule, known for his flair and creativity. These players could be vital for the Pirates as they aim to reclaim their MTN8 dominance. This match marks the official start of the Abdeslam Ouaddou era at Pirates, as the Moroccan coach takes the helm following the departure of José Riveiro. Following their pre-season tour of Spain, Ouaddou and his squad are set to make a strong statement, especially with Pirates being the reigning champions after clinching title victories for the past three consecutive years. Getting a fourth title in a row would send a message to the rest of the league, signalling their intent to also pursue their first league title since 2012. Following a remarkable showing at the FIFA Club World Cup, league champions Mamelodi Sundowns are gearing up for their first competitive match of the season. They host Richards Bay at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium on Sunday. Stellenbosch FC's resilience will be put to the test by AmaZulu on Sunday. The Winelands club are now confronting a new set of challenges as it navigates a wave of player departures that could have a significant impact on their campaign. In the remaining quarter-final, Sekhukhune United will begin their campaign against TS Galaxy at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. They have shown huge improvement in the Premiership, but are yet to win their first trophy.

IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
After last season's MTN8 final heartbreak, Stellenbosch set out with hope against AmaZulu
Steve Barker After a heart-wrenching near miss in last season's MTN8 final, Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker will hope his team will go one better this time. Photo: BackpagePix Stellenbosch FC came painfully close to claiming their maiden MTN8 title last season, only to fall 3-1 to Orlando Pirates in what many deemed a controversial final. With the score level at 1-1, the turning point arrived with a late free-kick that Pirates executed from a disputed position, a decision that went unchallenged due to the absence of VAR. Stellenbosch have finished as quarterfinalists, semifinalists, and runners-up in the last three competitions, and now stand poised to take the next step towards championship glory. On Sunday, Stellenbosch take on AmaZulu in an MTN8 quarter-final (starting 15h00). Both teams, having experienced heartache in previous seasons, are desperate to secure their first title in this competition, making for an exciting matchup between two hungry squads. Coach Steve Barker's Stellenbosch squad faces a challenging rebuild this season after losing key players in the transfer window. The departure of captain and left-back Fawaaz Basadien to Mamelodi Sundowns will be particularly keenly felt, as his creative influence was pivotal. Midfielder Sihle Nduli's move to the Pirates adds to Barker's rebuilding woes as he navigates a new chapter for the club. AmaZulu also enters this quarter-final with a palpable craving for success, making their longing for an MTN8 title even more surprising. Historically, AmaZulu has never managed to lift this trophy despite being a mainstay in South African football. Their near miss in 2022, when they lost 1-0 to Pirates, echoes the disappointment of previous finals, including their 1976 setback against Kaizer Chiefs. With only one knockout trophy, now the Carling Knockout secured back in 1992, other honours have eluded this storied club. Barker urged his side to go all the way this time around. 'Last season we got to the final and unfortunately we didn't go all the way and win it,' Barker said. 'We have a big desire to go one step closer, but we have to get past a difficult opponent. Everybody's ambition is to win the MTN8. 'Preparation has gone well, we worked hard during pre-season and I look forward to the game.' AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane, the Kaizer Chiefs legend, believes that Stellenbosch will present a unique list of challenges. 'Difficult one, Stellenbosch are not an easy team to play against. We are playing in Cape Town. They know the conditions where they are based,' Zwane said. 'So, for us, it will be the case of adapting there and dealing with everything that comes our way. Mentally and physically, the guys are ready, and they know the importance of us going into the next round.' Stellenbosch are likely to adopt an aggressive playing style that puts them on the front foot, with Ashley Cupido leading the charge. His dynamic attacking skills have made waves during the team's pre-season preparations. The versatile forward will be a critical asset as Stellenbosch gears up to showcase their prowess on the pitch. AmaZulu will be keen to thwart Cupido's ambitions with their captain, Riaan Hanamub, spearheading its tightly-knit defence. A player with extensive experience, Hanamub will have the task of not only commanding his backline but also keeping Cupido at bay. The challenge posed by Stellenbosch will require Hanamub's know-how, as he prepares to lead his team against what is expected to be a formidable attacking onslaught.

IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
PSL avoids chaos as Marumo Gallants receive lenient sanction
The PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has narrowly avoided chaos on the eve of the 2025/26 season, thanks to a lenient outcome in the controversial registration saga involving Marumo Gallants and midfielder Monde Mphambaniso. Cape Town City had been hoping for a last-minute lifeline that might see them reinstated in the Betway Premiership, but those hopes were crushed on Thursday night when the PSL Disciplinary Committee (DC) handed Gallants a R200,000 fine — half suspended — for violating registration rules. That means the MTN8 will go ahead without delay, and the top-flight calendar remains intact, even though the decision leaves many with more questions than answers. City had taken the matter to arbitration through the South African Football Association (SAFA), arguing that Gallants breached league regulations by fielding Mphambaniso in 26 of their 28 league matches last season despite not securing the correct clearance certificate. The PSL handbook clearly stipulates that such documentation is required when a player moves between clubs, especially if they were previously registered as professionals. I hope we get a similar verdict, Marumo Gallants must be fined and Capetown City must play in the NFD — Shamase (@uNdu_Mk) July 28, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The midfielder had been part of the Gallants setup when the club sold its Motsepe Foundation Championship status to Leruma United last year, allowing them to purchase Moroka Swallows' Premiership license. With that transaction, Mphambaniso effectively became a Leruma United player — and thus should have been cleared anew to feature for Gallants. Instead, Gallants simply carried on with him in their squad, setting the stage for a dispute that could've derailed the entire league kickoff. PSL prosecutor Zola Majavu confirmed on Thursday that Gallants had pleaded guilty to misconduct, acknowledging their failure to follow proper procedure in registering Mphambaniso. 'The PSL finalised a disciplinary matter, in which I had proferred charges of misconduct against Marumo Gallants FC and its player Monde Mphambaniso,' said Majavu. 'The case stems from the registration of Mphambaniso, which was procured by Gallants without the required clearance certificate in accordance with the rules of the league.' Marumo Gallants management must apologise to us for bringing us into disrepute. They must also give us an undertaking that they followed due process with all players for 2025/2026 season. — Bra Hloni (@BraHlonisky) August 1, 2025