Monnapule Saleng’s homecoming: Pirates star steps back onto the pitch with Orbit College

Monnapule Saleng’s Homecoming: Pirates Star Steps Back Onto the Pitch with Orbit College

After months of speculation, whispers, and what-ifs, Monnapule Saleng will finally lace up his boots again this Saturday — and South African football fans are ready.

His debut for PSL newcomers Orbit College at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu isn’t just another fixture. It’s a moment that carries the weight of a complicated season, a fractured relationship with Orlando Pirates, and the hope of redemption for one of the country’s most gifted wingers.

From Hero to Uncertainty

It wasn’t long ago that Saleng was the darling of the Orlando Pirates faithful — the player who terrorised defences, scored match-winners, and played a starring role in the Buccaneers’ MTN8 triumph. Yet by the end of 2024, he had drifted to the fringes. His last appearance for Pirates came in December against Al Ahly, a high-stakes CAF Champions League clash that now feels like a lifetime ago.

The reasons for his fall from favour have been murky. A fallout with management, hinted at in the SuperSport documentary GIANTS, and a cryptic comment from Saleng himself — “A lot of things happened” — only fuelled the intrigue. Pirates coach Jose Riveiro admitted the winger’s change in attitude puzzled the club, particularly after a deflating Carling Knockout loss to Magesi.

A Surprise Loan and Divided Opinions

When news broke that Saleng would be joining Orbit College on loan, reactions were mixed. Supporters wanted to see him fighting for his place at Pirates, not moving to a newly promoted side. Former Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi summed up the sentiment, saying: “He’s not a small team player,” while still wishing Saleng the best in reclaiming his form.

Behind the scenes, it seems the Buccaneers did try to mend fences. Club sources say management reached out multiple times with offers of support. At one point, a potentially lucrative move to North Africa was on the table, but the deal collapsed for reasons outside both parties’ control.

The Road Back to the Top

Now, Orbit College presents a stage for Saleng to reset and remind everyone why he became a Bafana Bafana regular in the first place. His speed, creativity, and knack for big-game moments are qualities the PSL has missed.

Social media is already buzzing with anticipation, with fans posting throwback clips of his goals and dribbles, captioned with messages like “Welcome back, Saleng” and “Time to show them.”

If he can channel that energy and use his time at Orbit College to rebuild his confidence, there’s every chance he’ll return to Orlando Pirates — or even bigger opportunities abroad — with his reputation intact and his career reignited.

For now, all that matters is Saturday in KwaMashu, where the prodigal son steps back into the arena, and the country watches to see if this chapter is the start of his comeback story.

Source:IOL 

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