Latest news with #Saleng
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates at risk of Saleng regret amid Mofokeng links
It's been an extraordinary offseason for Orlando Pirates, who, after failing to sign a single player in January, have landed over eleven solidified stars, including Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi. An array of arrivals often correlates to a number of exits, which has been the case for the Buccaneers. Mohau Nkota is arguably the biggest surprise to have left the Sowetan nest, while Monnapule Saleng seemed set to depart. However, not many (if any) would have had their money on a move to Orbit College, albeit a loan move. 'First of all, I would like to thank God, the Man Above, for being here at Orbit, for being back home,' Saleng said in his first press-conference since news broke of his Orlando Pirates exit. 'I am very happy to be back home, and I thank God for giving me strength and aligning me with a return to Orbit. Going back to Orbit after a great campaign they had, and I loved that they gained promotion and that I could come back home.' '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. So, to be back here is something that I am happy about.' Orlando Pirates could come to regret the way they neglected Saleng, who hasn't featured in the PSL since late November last year. With a renewed fire of proving the doubters wrong, the 27-year-old has the chance to remind the league why he was 2023's Players' Player of the Season. There seems to be growing uncertainty regarding Relebohile Mofokeng, who has several giants vying for his services, such as PSV, who are reportedly prepared to table an offer in the region of R100 million. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that! The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million,' an inside source revealed. 'You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million, but it's believed to be more than that.' Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by 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.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates lift-off alert: Monnapule Saleng soars back into Orbit!
After enduring a frustrating season on the sidelines, Monnapule Saleng, the talented Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana attacker, will make a significant comeback at Orbit College FC. 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.
The South African
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates clear out as stars set to join absent winger
Orlando Pirates look set to send two more players to Orbit College, as the club continues to trim its squad ahead of the new season. Defender Yanga Madiba and midfielder Thuso Moleleki are the latest names lined up to join Monnapule Saleng at the Betway Premiership newcomers for the 2025/2026 campaign. Talks are already at an advanced stage between the Soweto giants and Orbit College. The potential deals would follow the completion of Saleng's switch, after a frustrating year clouded in mystery regarding his role at Pirates. 'Saleng now reunites with his former employers and coach Pogiso Makhonye in an effort to revive his career.' Saleng's move to Orbit offers the winger a clean slate and a chance to reignite his spark under a familiar face. His reunion with Makhonye not only signals a fresh chapter but also highlights Orbit's ambition to build a competitive top-flight squad bolstered by top talent. With Saleng's switch, Madiba and Moleleki are expected to leave on loan too. However, Pirates are intent on keeping them in the long-term picture. Insiders reveal that the club views the pair as future first-team material. And this temporary move forms part of a strategic development plan. Madiba, who spent last season at Orbit College while they were still in the lower division. Earned a senior team promotion under then-coach Jose Riveiro. Now, the club wants him to gain more experience under regular match conditions. Before potentially returning to make an impact under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. 'A loan option now gives the duo a chance to impress new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, albeit from a distance.' While the immediate plan appears to be short-term loans, sources suggest that permanent moves have not been ruled out entirely. However, the current direction indicates that Pirates want to monitor the players' progress throughout the season. Before making any long-term decisions. Is it a good idea to release these promising Orlando Pirates duo? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Orbit College coach dismisses claims of PSL status sale
'Why would we bring Saleng on loan if we are selling the status? There's no way,' he said. Pogiso Makhoye, coach of Orbit College after a PSL 2024/25 Playoff match against Cape Town City at the Olympia Park Stadium, Rustenburg on the 25 June 2025 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix Orbit College FC head coach Pogiso Makhoye has rubbished claims that the club is looking to sell its recently acquired Betway Premiership status. Makhoye was speaking during an interview on Game On Sports on Radio 2000 when he addressed growing rumours linking relegated Cape Town City with a potential takeover of the club's topflight status. ALSO READ: Chiefs' Lilepo – Preparations have been 'very positive' Orbit College earned promotion to the Betway Premiership through the PSL promotion playoffs and are preparing for their debut season in South Africa's top division. However, reports emerged suggesting that Cape Town City, who dropped to the National First Division, had tabled an offer to buy their way back into the premiership by acquiring Orbit's status. 'That's why we have (Monnapule) Saleng on loan. Why would we bring Saleng on loan if we are selling the status? There's no way,' he said. 'Orbit is not going anywhere, we have worked hard to promote the team for the past 15 years. We wanted to make sure that we have a professional team in the North West province. 'And we also wanted to show the whole country that there's talent in the TVET sector and now that we are here, we will never sell the status and the team not going anywhere.' ALSO READ: Rulani explains MC Alger technical team The team has already brought in Saleng from Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan as they prepare for the upcoming season.
IOL News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
First Monnapule Saleng, now Mohau Nkota as big stars leave Orlando Pirates
Mohau Nkota is the latest player confirmed by Orlando Pirates to be making his way out of Soweto. Picture: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix Pirates lost 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers in their previous pre-season clash on Friday. The news comes after Pirates played to a 1-1 draw with Greek outfit Pafos in their pre-season warm-up on Sunday. The 20-year-old had only recently broken into the Pirates team in the previous season, but will now be plying his trade away from South African shores. Fresh off the news that Monnapule Saleng would be loaned out to Orbit FC, Orlando Pirates confirmed on Sunday that midfielder Mohau Nkota had been sold to Ettifaq Club in the Saudi Pro League. Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Orlando Pirates full statement on Nkota: 'Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that an agreement has been reached for the permanent transfer of Mohau Nkota to Ettifaq Club in the Saudi Pro League. The move is subject to the 20-year-old agreeing to personal terms and passing a medical. Nkota's departure comes after a standout debut season in the Buccaneers' senior squad, where he featured in 39 official matches and registered 12 goal contributions. Everyone at Orlando Pirates wishes Mohau Nkota the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter in his career. May he continue to soar and carry the Buccaneers' spirit with pride – because remember: Once and Always!' While Pirates will want to focus on their preparations for the new season, the news that Saleng has been loaned out to Orbit FC has stolen the headlines. It drew to a close, one of the longest-running sagas in South African football. Saleng had been out of favour at Pirates since December last year and had not featured in the side since then, apparently over a wage dispute. With no official word on the player from Pirates for months, the speculation had been rife about the future of Saleng even though he is still under contract until June next year. @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
