Great rejoicing as Orlando Pirates' prodigal son Monnapule Saleng finally plays again

Monnapule Saleng's much-anticipated debut for Orbit College FC on Saturday at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu will mark the return of Orlando Pirates' 'prodigal son'.

Saleng is greatly admired by fans across the country, and there will be much rejoicing at his long-awaited return to competitive football.

He has joined Orbit College on loan for their inaugural season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). The loan deal comes after a tumultuous season for Saleng at Pirates, where he played a crucial role in helping the club retain the MTN8 title, but later found himself sidelined due to a fallout with management.

His appearance will be one of the main talking points of the Premiership’s opening round this weekend. All eyes will be on the Bafana Bafana international to see how he performs following a challenging spell that ended with his last match for the Buccaneers on December 7, 2024 against Al Ahly in a crucial CAF Champions League fixture.

The decision to loan Saleng to the PSL newcomers came as a surprise to many, including former Pirates captain and club legend Lucky Lekgwathi, who voiced his concerns over the unexpected move.

“For me, I think he’s not a small team player,” Lekgwathi remarked, expressing hopes that Saleng would reclaim his form and eventually make a name for himself at Pirates.

In the Pirates documentary series GIANTS, which aired on SuperSport TV last weekend, Saleng spoke about the difficulties he faced. Coach Jose Riveiro echoed the bewilderment felt by many within the club regarding Saleng’s altered demeanour, particularly following a disappointing 3-2 loss to Magesi in the Carling Knockout, where the team trailed 3-0 at half-time.

When asked about the circumstances that led to him falling out of favour, Saleng cryptically remarked: “What caused the situation? A lot of things. A lot of things happened.”

The Saleng saga has captivated football fans throughout the season, creating a whirlwind of speculation and concern surrounding the player’s future at one of South Africa’s most storied clubs.

Initially, many felt that Pirates should have taken a more nurturing approach towards Saleng during his difficult period. The club, known for its commitment to developing young talent, appeared at odds with public expectations for a more hands-on approach.

However, internal sources have clarified that the club had reached out to Saleng multiple times, attempting to offer guidance and support. Unfortunately, these efforts were not always met with the positive response management had hoped for.

Compounding matters, Pirates were reportedly on the verge of securing a lucrative contract for Saleng with a club in North Africa — a move that could have opened new doors for both the player and the organisation. Just as the deal was nearing completion, it unexpectedly collapsed, due to factors entirely beyond the control of either Saleng or Pirates.

As Saleng takes this crucial step with Orbit College, the expectation is that he will find a platform to showcase his talent and rebuild his confidence.

In doing so, he can prove that he is still a player capable of making a significant impact in South African football as the new PSL season unfolds.