Orlando Pirates legend's 'heart was sore' after Monnapule Saleng signed for 'small team' Orbit College FC - 'I hope to see him play for big team, even if it's not Bucs'

South African international Monnapule Saleng had a tough 2023/24 season at Orlando Pirates.

Despite a blistering start that saw him help Bucs successfully defend MTN8, the winger was thrown to the sidelines after falling out with the club's management.

His last game in Pirates' colours was on December 7, 2024, against Al Ahly in Group C's CAF Champions League assignment.

Despite his initial contract with the club ending last season, the Buccaneers exercised their option and extended his stay.

The fans expected him to play for the club this season, but the majority were shocked when he was sent to the Premier Soccer League's newbies, Orbit FC.

It was a move that was not anticipated even by club legend Lucky Lekgwathi.

He now hopes Saleng will eventually rise and make his name at Pirates.

“It was difficult for the boy, I wanted to talk to him but I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to him, and it’s football, he can bounce back,” he said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“Yes, he was at a big team and now going go Orbit, let him go, to redeem himself and hope in years to come he will come back to play for the team again, even if it’s not Orlando Pirates.

“For me, I think he’s not a small team player," Lekgwathi continued.

"He is a big team player, and I was happy to see him playing at Orlando Pirates, wearing my number 14, continuing the legacy of that number 14 – my heart was sore after hearing the news he’s leaving Pirates.

“I hope one day he comes back to the team because it’s a loan… so my boy Saleng – I wish to see you one day coming back to Pirates," he concluded.

Saleng has a massive chance to prove his doubters wrong, having excelled in the PSL.

With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations coming, Saleng might do just enough to convince coach Hugo Broos to consider him for the assignment.