Newly promoted Betway Premiership side Orbit College has distanced itself from a fake statement circulating on social media, which appeared to be an apology to Monnapule Saleng.
The false statement surfaced two days ago, following comments from head coach Pogiso Makhoye that had already drawn a mixed reaction. Saleng is on loan at Orbit College from Orlando Pirates for the 2025/26 season.
Recently, Makhoye voiced concerns about the talented winger’s performance, suggesting that the team played better when he was not on the pitch. He noted that without Saleng, the team, more especially youngsters, appear to perform at a higher level, whereas with him on the field, their display decreases.
An unofficial Orbit College Facebook page posted a statement that essentially made it seem like the club was apologising to the Pirates winger who is on loan at the club. The club’s general manager, Kganakga Matome, told FARPost that “there is no statement issued by the club”.
The fabricated apology, which went viral on social media, expressed “sincere regret for any unintended distress caused” by the coach’s remarks. It described Saleng as a “valued member” of the team and stated that his contributions were not “undervalued or unfairly criticised.” The statement also claimed the club was in “discussions with all involved parties” to address the issue.
THE DETAILS OF THE FAKE ORBIT COLLEGE FC STATEMENT
“We at Orbit College FC wish to address recent comments made by our coach regarding the performance of our player, Monnapule Saleng. And we recognise that these remarks, shared last week on social media, have caused concern and disappointment among our fans, stakeholders, and the wider football community.
“We sincerely apologise for the unintended distress caused by these comments. Our intention is always to foster a positive and supportive environment for all our players, who work tirelessly to represent our club with pride and dedication. Monnapule Saleng is a valued member of our team, and we deeply regret any impression that his contributions have been undervalued or unfairly criticised.
“As a club, we are committed to supporting our players’ growth and well-being, both on and off the field. We acknowledge that public statements must be made with care to avoid misinterpretation or harm. Moving forward, we will take steps to ensure more thoughtful communication and continue to focus on unity, respect, and constructive dialogue within our team.
“We are in discussions with all involved parties, including Monnapule, to address this matter internally and ensure that our shared goals remain at the forefront. We ask for your understanding and continued support as we work to strengthen our team and uphold the values that define Orbit College FC.
“Thank you for standing by us, and we look forward to demonstrating our commitment through our actions on and off the pitch.”
THE FAKE ORBIT COLLEGE ACCOUNT: PICTURE
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