Home » Betway Premiership » Makhoye makes bold Saleng claim: ‘The youngsters play better without him’

Makhoye makes bold Saleng claim: ‘The youngsters play better without him’

Monnapule Saleng in action for Orbit College FC Photo: Nchavo-Graphics/ Nchavo Shabangu

Orbit College FC head coach Pogiso Makhoye has made a bold claim about Monnapule Saleng, stating that the club’s “youngsters play better without him” following his return to the club on a loan deal.

Saleng rejoined his boyhood club in July 2025 on a season-long loan contract from the Soweto giants Orlando Pirates.

This move was meant to rejuvenate his career after a difficult time with the Buccaneers. The 27-year-old was excluded from the squad since December of last year, reportedly due to contractual disagreements that also led to him not attending training. He was eventually released on loan to the North West side.

In the current season, the gifted left-winger has played in four of the five Betway Premiership matches played by Orbit so far, missing the game against Pirates due to a clause in his loan agreement.

‘HE’S NOT THE SALENG WE’RE USED TO,’ SAYS POGISO MAKHOYE

Makhoye, who guided Orbit to promotion last season, admitted that Saleng has yet to make a significant impact on the team. He noted that the player is still struggling but assured that they will help him regain his form.

“Well, out of the four games that he has played, I think he’s not the Saleng that we used to see at Pirates. He’s still struggling. He hasn’t given us much, especially in the four games that he has played, as he has no assists and no goals,” Makhoye told Metro FM.

Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Stadium during Orlando Pirates and Orbit College Betway Premiership Photo: Nhlanhla Matshoma [FreshOnSnaps]

“Even when we played against Pirates, and he was not part of the team, I felt the youngsters did very well without him. However, we will help him adjust to the team, and we are patient with him. But as much as we are patient with him, we need to put the team first. We will work with him and see how we can improve the team.”

POGISO MAKHOYE ON WHAT MIGHT BE THE CHALLENGE FOR MONNAPULE SALENG

The Orbit mentor further elaborated on what he believes is challenging for Saleng since his arrival at the club.

“I think it’s both physical and mental,” he explained. “You’re joining a smaller team where everybody is looking up to you, and you need to carry the team. That’s a challenge in itself. At Pirates, you had about 15 stars playing alongside you; here, everyone is looking up to you.

“So, here, everyone is looking up to you to see if you can carry this team. I think that the weight on his shoulders is also very difficult for him because he has not been playing since last season. I believe we will be a different team altogether when we come back from this FIFA break.”

The Makhoye-coached side is currently languishing at the bottom [15th place] of the Betway Premiership log standings with three points from five outings.