Orlando Pirates' Monnapule Saleng set for Orbit College loan to revive career after challenging season
Back to Orbit? According to reports, Orlando Pirates' Monnapule Saleng is set to complete a loan move to Orbit College, where his career began. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng is set to join newly promoted Orbit FC on loan in order to help him rediscover the form that made him one of the best players in the country.
According to reports, the deal is done, and the player will return to where his career began for the entirety of the 2025/26 season.
The player was close to an exit after a tumultuous 2024/25 campaign. Last season, after some disagreements with the club over his contract, he was left out of the team for a number of months, leading to speculation about his future.
He was also linked with a move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly, but that deal never materialised. The longer he remained out of the first team, the more speculation surrounding his future grew. During his exile from the Pirates first team, it’s reported he even experienced some mental health challenges.
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There were even numerous reports that Saleng could jump ship to Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs. But with new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s arrival, things seem to have had a positive effect on his situation. Soccer Laduma reported earlier this week that Saleng was set to be offered a new three-year contract by Pirates.
According to former Pirates and SuperSport United forward Mandla Zwane, the temporary move to Orbit College could do Saleng wonders.
"It could be a good move for the boy. It might help to clear his mind. Being in a familiar surrounding like Orbit might do him good," says Zwane, according to KickOff.
"It is going to be good for his career. What he is currently going through can happen to any player. All we want to see is Saleng on the field of play.
"A loan move will resuscitate his career. It's more of a progression and not a regression since he will still be in the Premier Soccer League. Orbit is in the Premiership. Where he is right now, he might have lost the rhythm, so a loan move would be good for the player."
Pirates are currently on a pre-season tour to Spain as they prepare for the new season under new head coach Ouaddou.
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