“I Waited... But Nothing Came”: Saleng’s Painful Goodbye and Hopeful New Start
After months of silence, Monnapule Saleng has finally opened up — and his words cut deep for any Orlando Pirates fan who watched him light up the field not so long ago.
The 27-year-old winger, once a rising star in the Buccaneers’ attack, has revealed just how frustrating the last few months have been for him. Since December 2024, Saleng has been sidelined, watching from the shadows while others took the spotlight. Rumors swirled about wage disputes and dressing room tensions, but the real story is one of quiet patience, personal pain, and a hard-fought decision to start over.
Now, he’s found a lifeline in a surprising place: Orbit College.
Saleng’s loan move to the newly promoted side wasn’t just about game time — it was about healing, finding purpose, and reclaiming his joy. In his first words since the move, he made it clear: this wasn’t a decision he took lightly.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to return home, especially after a long season without playing,” Saleng admitted, speaking to SABC Sport.
Fans may have guessed something was wrong when Saleng didn’t travel with the Pirates on their preseason tour to Spain. The silence around his absence only added fuel to speculation. But now, the truth is out — he waited for his moment, and it never came.
“During this difficult time, I kept on pushing and I waited for my opportunity, but unfortunately, that did not arrive, until Orbit College came calling,” he shared.
That moment — that call — may just be the fresh start Saleng needs.
Orbit College, known for its exciting, fast-paced style, might be the perfect home for a player of his speed and flair. In fact, many of the players there had been encouraging him while he was stuck on the sidelines. That support, says Saleng, helped him hold on to hope.
“I am very happy to be back home. Orbit College is a great team that plays exciting football, and I cannot wait to be a part of that.”
But is this a goodbye or just a pause?
Orlando Pirates haven’t closed the door entirely. Club insiders confirm they’ll be closely monitoring Saleng’s form at Orbit. If he performs well, especially in the first half of the 2025/26 season, a mid-season recall is not off the table. With coach Abdeslam Ouaddou always looking to sharpen his attacking options, there’s a chance Saleng could still return — this time, stronger and more focused than ever.
For now, though, all eyes will be on Orbit College. Will Saleng rise again? Or has his Buccaneers chapter truly closed?
🗣 What do you think?
Should Orlando Pirates have handled Saleng better?
Can he prove them wrong at Orbit College?
👉 Join the conversation below or message us on WhatsApp!
📌 Vote now:
Do you think Monnapule Saleng will return to Orlando Pirates this season?
🔘 Yes – He just needs game time
🔘 No – That chapter is over
🔘 Not sure – Depends on his form
Read also: He Vanished After Glory—Now the Dreadlocked Midfield General Is Quietly Making a Comeback — Find out where Pirates legend Thabo Mngomeni has resurfaced and how he’s shaping young talent behind the scenes.
Sources:
~BILLY JAYDEN LOUIS
Tags: Monnapule Saleng, Orlando Pirates, Orbit College, PSL News, South African Football, Loan Transfers, Comeback Stories
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