Orlando Pirates Confirm Monnapule Saleng Loan Move to Orbit College
- Orlando Pirates have officially released a statement regarding their ostracised star player Monnapule Saleng's future
- Saleng has been frozen out of the squad since December 2023, with sources linking his absence to unresolved contract and salary disputes
- Buccaneers faithfuls have reacted with outrage on social media, calling the move a "downgrade" and accusing the club of mistreating a former fan favourite
Orlando Pirates have announced the future of Monnapule Saleng amid months of speculation, after he last featured for the Buccaneers in December last year.
In a statement on the club's website, Orlando Pirates confirmed reports of his loan move to Orbit College. The announcement was brief and lacked detail.
Source: Facebook
The confirmation has brought to an abrupt end the speculation that has for the longest time surrounded the forward's future after rumours had indeed indicated he was set for a return to his former club.
The statement which also included the announcement of the permanent departure of Phillip Ndlondlo, touched briefly on Saleng's loan move;
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""Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the departure of midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo. The 28-year-old is now free to sign with a club of his choice. Ndlondlo, who joined the Buccaneers in 2022, made a number of notable contributions during his time in the famous black and white," Pirates announced on Wednesday.
"The club extends its sincere gratitude to Phillip for his professionalism and commitment during his spell at Orlando Pirates and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career," it added.
"Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates can also confirm that an agreement has been reached with Orbit College FC for the loan of Monnapule Saleng. The 27-year-old will spend the 2025/26 season with the newly crowned outfit."
Saleng frozen out amid contract dispute
The 27-year-old winger, once a fan favourite at Orlando Pirates, has not featured for the club since a CAF Champions League tie against Al Ahly on 7 December. Despite being fully fit, his continued absence has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits.
According to insiders, unresolved contractual and salary disputes are believed to be at the centre of the standoff.
Orlando Pirates express their mixed reactions on Saleng
@NdabeLit
"Why are they punishing this boy kodwa "
@MokwadiMo
"I wish Pirates doesn't even reach a final of any cup this season! This is evil!!!"
@MdutyanaTh70595
"Pirates destroyed this guy"
@MKHBrian
"This is a downgrade from big club to a small club 😭"
@Thapz__
"Exercising the option in the contract only to loan him to a small newly promoted club when bigger clubs like Kaizer Chiefs could've taken him is pure evil."
@Unahinanaye
"It's better for him to pursue his first love, soccer, than to be kept against his will. I just wish they would release him so he can further his career elsewhere."
@FootballStage_1
'We should move on. It's football"
@jmobilehire
"It’s good for him and I think Pirates is still patient with him, our players dnt learn agents are dangerous. So I hope he will take this opportunity with open arms and revive his career."
@KaraboSekati_
"Ke yona downgrade!"
@aluu_rsa
"Is this official already?"
@Firebyforce101
"You see Pirates neh Mxm sies 🚮"
Source: Facebook
Monnapule Saleng's Orlando Pirates struggles
Briefly News previously reported that Monnapule Saleng is struggling with depression, worsened by his dissatisfaction with the club.
Saleng reportedly feels underpaid, believing that his contributions on the field are not adequately reflected in his salary.
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Source: Briefly News
