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Orbit coach Makhoye changes his tune on Saleng

Monnapule Saleng. Photo: Nchavo-Graphics/Nchavo Shabangu

Orbit College FC head coach Pogiso Makhoye has changed his tune regarding Monnapule Saleng after the winger scored the winning goal against Richards Bay FC on Friday night.

The North West club secured a 2-1 victory over Richards Bay on Friday night in their Betway Premiership tie played at Umhlathuze Sports Complex.

Lethabo Modimoeng broke the deadlock for Orbit in the 14th minute of the showdown. However, Knox Mutizwa levelled matters just seven minutes before the half-time break. But Makhoye’s boys managed to add to the scoreline in the 51st minute of the contest, courtesy of Saleng’s winning goal.

Saleng returned to his boyhood club in July 2025 on a loan deal from the Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates. This followed Saleng’s tough time with the Buccaneers last season, during which he was excluded from the Sea Robbers’ squad from December until he was released on loan to Orbit for the 2025/26 season.

Just last month, Makhoye had voiced serious concerns about Saleng’s form, suggesting the winger was still struggling to regain his rhythm after his extended spell on the sidelines. The coach went further, indicating that his troops—especially the younger players—performed better when Saleng was absent, noting that the team’s display actually diminished when he was on the field.

Despite these criticisms, the 27-year-old has featured in nine games across all competitions for Orbit this season, tallying one goal and one assist.

Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Stadium. Photo: Nhlanhla Matshoma [FreshOnSnaps]

WHAT POGISO MAKHOYE SAID ABOUT MONNAPULE SALENG

Following their 2-1 win against Natal Rich Boyz, Makhoye was full of praise for Saleng, revealing what he told him before the match, emphasising what the player can offer Orbit.

“I think even today in the morning [referring to Friday], when we were eating breakfast, I said to him, ‘Now is about time you need to score because you have been creating chances and getting in the right areas. I think you just need a goal. Tonight should be that night’. What a way to do it,” Makhoye told SuperSport TV.

“I mean, we know what Saleng can give, and he is giving us that….We are starting to find ourselves and our rhythm.

“So, I’m happy for him and for the team. At least we have broken that dark spell of away games. We have been losing away games. I said to them today [Friday] that we need to change the results and believe that we can win our away games, and we have done that.”