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Monnapule Saleng, Orbit College, August 2025Backpage
Celine Abrahams

Ex-Premier Soccer League star Thuso Phala challenges Orlando Pirates loanee Monnapule Saleng to prove his big-name status and ‘carry’ struggling Orbit College

The retired winger's remarks follow last month’s candid take from Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye, who openly admitted that Saleng hadn’t yet made the impact he’d hoped for at the club. Makhoye’s honesty sparked debate, with many questioning whether the player’s potential was being fully unlocked.

  • Monnapule Saleng, Orbit College, September 2025Backpage

    Saleng’s form raises red flags for Pirates and Chiefs

    With just one assist in eight appearances, 27-year-old Monnapule Saleng has struggled to make an impact at Orbit College, who currently sit 13th on the Premier Soccer League table, just a single point above the bottom. Questions have been swirling around his form and whether Saleng will retain enough market value to attract interest from top-tier clubs.

    Kaizer Chiefs were reportedly monitoring Saleng during his turbulent seven-month spell at Mayfair. But according to former Bafana Bafana winger Thuso Phala, the player will need a serious shift in mentality if he hopes to earn a move to Naturena.

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  • Monnapule Saleng, Orbit College vs SiweleleBackpage

    Phala challenges Saleng

    “Carry the team. If you're that player, that's a match-winner, go to that team and carry them. There's something going on, I hope he fixes it. There's this thing of going to a big team and things don't work out well," Phala said on omniaudioafrica YouTube Channel, as quoted by KickOff.

    "Going to a smaller team, you have a chance to prove to yourself mentally, without pressure. [Oswin] Appollis was a SuperSport [United] boy, things didn't work out, he went to Pretoria Callies before going to Polokwane. At Polokwane, he proved himself. He went to the national team while at Polokwane.

    “Things didn't work out for me at [Mamelodi] Sundowns, I went to Platinum Stars, we challenged for the league, went to CAF (Champions League) – at Platinum! I carried the team.

    “He must do that. Mentality, and mentality brings longevity in the game. So, Saleng, now it's a wake-up call. Where is your mentality? Do you still wanna give it your all? Do you wanna still be professional enough, even when you're at Orbit?

    “Even if Orbit loses 9-1, the one (goal) is from you. You're the bigger player there. Mentality," concluded the former winger.

  • Monnapule Saleng, Orbit CollegeBackpage

    Bouncing back from a season of hardship

    Saleng spent much of last season on the fringes at Pirates, with whispers of a contract dispute fuelling speculation about his future. 

    After months of uncertainty, the winger secured a loan move to Premier Soccer League newcomers Orbit College ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. 

    The Bloemhof-born talent hadn’t played since December 2024, making Orbit’s offer a vital lifeline to reignite his career.

  • Thabang Monare, Sekhukhune United, Monnapule Saleng, Orbit CollegeBackpage

    Next on the cards for Saleng

    With the spotlight firmly on him, the 27-year-old faces mounting pressure to reignite his form and prove his worth. 

    Orbit College, currently fighting to stay in the top-flight, head to Richards Bay for a crucial PSL clash on Friday, October 17. It’s another chance for Saleng to step up, deliver, and remind the football world of the talent that once lit up Mayfair.