Orlando Pirates lift-off alert: Monnapule Saleng soars back into Orbit!
It will be an emotional reunion because Saleng's loan move will be to the club where he first started his footballing journey.
Orbit College, fresh from their historic promotion to South Africa's top-flight, showcased their ability and resilience by triumphing over Cape Town City and Casric Stars in the PSL promotion playoffs. This achievement not only marked a milestone for the club but also for the North West province, which has been yearning for Premier League football after a seven-year absence.
Saleng has been absent from competitive action for most of last season. He expressed his gratitude and excitement to return to action. 'I must give thanks to the Man Above. I am happy to be back home. Orbit College is a great team that plays exciting football, and I cannot wait to be a part of that,' the 27-year-old declared in an interview with SABC Sport.
The return to Orbit College comes with a sense of nostalgia and ambition for Saleng, who is determined to leverage his experience for the benefit of the team. He is ready to play a role under the guidance of coach Pogiso Makhoye.
Reflecting on his decision to return, he said, 'It wasn't an easy decision to return home, especially after a long season without playing. During this difficult time, I kept on pushing and waited for my opportunity; unfortunately, that did not arrive until Orbit College came calling.'
He noted that many of his new teammates were encouraging him during his tough times at Pirates, solidifying the homecoming feel he had encountered.
Selecting Orbit College for his career revival is more than just a strategic move; it is a heartfelt return to his roots. He spent four crucial seasons at the club previously and now aims to utilise his accumulated experience to have a positive impact on the squad.
'I feel very emotional, and I expect to use my experience to add value. But it is not going to be easy to play in the Premiership,' he admitted, acknowledging the considerable challenges that lie ahead.
Under Makhoye's stewardship, Orbit College aims to establish itself as a formidable contender in the top tier. The ambitious coach noted, 'We have proved a lot of people wrong after they called us chokers in recent seasons. We do not have a big budget, but we aim to compete talent-wise with well-established sides.'
As plans advance to secure alternative venues such as the Royal Bafokeng and Mmabatho Stadiums, alongside the refurbishment of the Olympia Stadium, Orbit College is set to create an engaging home atmosphere for fans eager to witness their journey in the Premiership.
The excitement surrounding the club is palpable as they embark on what promises to be an exhilarating debut season.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
44 minutes ago
- IOL News
Bayern Munich agree deal to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz: reports
Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed to a £65.5 million deal to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz (pictured centre), providing a replacement for the injured Jamal Musiala, while Liverpool strengthens their squad with new signings including Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Picture: Alejandro Pagni/AFP Image: Alejandro Pagni/AFP German champions Bayern Munich have agreed to sign Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in a £65.5 million ($88 million) deal, according to multiple reports on Sunday. Bayern had an initial offer of £59 million rejected by the Premier League champions last week, but their improved bid looks set to bring the Colombia international to the Allianz Arena. Diaz has reportedly been given permission to leave Liverpool's pre-season tour of Asia in order to complete a medical with Bayern. He joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 and won the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his time at Anfield. Lucho Diaz's Future Uncertain Amidst Speculation and Absence from Liverpool's Match Against AC Milan The 28-year--old made 50 appearances and scored 17 goals in all competitions last season as Arne Slot's team clinched the English title for the first time in five years. Diaz was left out of Liverpool's 4-2 friendly defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong on Saturday as speculation mounted over his future. "In Lucho's (Diaz's) situation, there's a lot of rumours around him lately and I cannot go into that," Slot said after the Milan match. "He's training really well with us but we have decided for now not to play him yet. "I'm used to talking to most of my players on a regular basis. I cannot comment much more about that.' Liverpool's Transfer Window Activity: Strengthening Attack and Defence Diaz's impending signing gives Bayern a quality replacement for Germany forward Jamal Musiala, who has been ruled out for a 'long period' after he suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle at the Club World Cup this month. Liverpool have been busy in the transfer window, bolstering their attacking options with expensive swoops for Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez arrived from Leverkusen and Bournemouth respectively, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili joined from Valencia. The Reds are also believed to be interested in making a bid for Newcastle's £150 million-rated striker Alexander Isak. AFP
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs coach selects official new Amakhosi captain
Following the departure of Yusuf Maart, Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has named his new captain for the upcoming season. The Glamour Boys are gearing up for a massive 2025/26 campaign. They'll be competing both locally as well as on the continent in the CAF Confederations Cup. Nabi will need his senior players to step up to the plate for his side. And now, a new captain will lead from the front at Naturena! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates sell prodigy once dubbed as 'the next big thing'! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates extend the contracts of two senior stars! Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has confirmed that defender Inacio Miguel will wear the captain's armband for the upcoming season. Miguel was a key figure for the Glamour Boys last season. He made 28 appearances in his maiden season at the club. 'Today Miguel was the captain. He will captain the team for the upcoming season,' – Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi said as quoted by FAR Post . READ MORE • How much Orlando Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! Who was your preferred captain for the upcoming season? Do you think Inacio Miguel has what it takes to lead Kaizer Chiefs to league honours? Where do you see them finishing next season? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by also emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Celebrating Sharpeville's soccer supermom
SHARPEVILLE.- With August around the corner, Sedibeng Ster Sport takes a look at women who play a huge role in sports in the Vaal. August is Women's Month, celebrating the strength of ordinary women in the community for their outstanding contributions in various fields. Orlando Pirates midfield striker Relebohile Mofokeng's mother, Naome, is one of the women who deserves flowers for the role she plays in her son's football career. When 'Rele' was still young, playing for a local amateur soccer team, Celeb Youth Academy in Sharpeville, Naome used to come to watch him. This was long before it became fashionable for mothers or parents to get involved in their children's football careers. Unlike others, Naome didn't wait for her son to play for these so-called elite development academies to support him. She supported the boy while he was still playing on the dusty soccer grounds. Sedibeng Ster Sport still has memories of her running up and down the touchline when Rele was only 12 years old, playing at George Thabe Stadium or James and Pepsi soccer grounds. She was always there, not only to watch him, but to also support the rest of the team. She is passionate about football. The truth is she didn't only show interest in his son's football career when he played for Orlando Pirates, but long before Rele became a household name in South African football. We take a bow, Mrs Mofokeng, you deserve flowers. She was always there since Rele's father, Sechaba Mofokeng, at the time, was also an active soccer player, playing in the First Division League. Relebohile's parents launched the Relebohile Mofokeng Foundation to help those from disadvantaged backgrounds. They hosted the 1st Annual Relebohile Mofokeng Tournament, which came to an end last weekend in his hometown in Sharpeville. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Naome said that apart from being her son's biggest supporter, she is passionate about football. 'I love football, and grew up in the football community. I support every child who is involved in sports in the community,' she said. Sedibeng Ster Sport will continue to look for other women who have contributed to the development of sports within the Vaal community.
