Monnapule Saleng’s move from Orlando Pirates to Orbit College this week came as a surprise to football fans across the country.

Considering the stark differences between the two clubs, it was certainly unexpected.

Orbit College is new to the top flight of South African football, while Pirates need no introduction as one of the big three teams in the country.

The reality, however, is that Saleng played just 13 games last season given there was a “matter involving significant issues at the core of the employer-employee relationship that require resolution,” as alluded to by his representatives, P Management.

Orbit College offers him a fresh start, and it is not necessarily unfamiliar territory for him since he was previously with the North West club.

“I’m very happy to have my son back. I still can’t believe it,” Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye said on Radio 2000 on their signing of Saleng from Pirates, on loan for the 2025/26 season.

Makhoye continued, “I think I will believe it when I see him when we return to training on Saturday (12 July) or when the club unveils him. He’s one of the players I asked management to engage Pirates about, at least on loan. I’m so happy the deal went through. I was so excited to read it when Pirates announced.”

During the interview, Makhoye gave assurances that Saleng would be one of the players to watch in the new season.

“My relationship with Saleng goes back eight years. I discovered the boy when he was young. I brought him to Rustenburg. I worked with him for three years. That’s why I say he’s like a son to me. I made him the player he is today. No one knows this player more than me,” he stated.

“I appreciate this opportunity that I’ve been given to work with him again. He’s at the peak of his career. He needs to play more. He needs to go back to Bafana Bafana because he still has a lot to offer. He will fit like a glove here because of the football we play. He knows the team. He knows the culture. He’s been here before. Like I said, I’m the one who developed him. I know he can play four positions up front. He can play on the right, on the left wing, as a ten, or as a striker. He scored lots of goals when he was here, especially in his last season.”

Makhoye added, “I speak to him every day. He’s very happy to come here. He’s excited. If he didn’t want to come here, this move wouldn’t have happened. We cannot bring a player that doesn’t want to be here. He wants to come and help the team.”

Saleng’s Pirates numbers make for a good reading: 70 matches, 27 goals, and 15 assists.

Orbit College would be hoping Saleng can replicate his form in their colours and help the team do well in their first season in the Betway Premiership.