Monnapule Saleng on Orbit College return: 'Coming back home brings me a lot of joy'

The 27-year-old winger joined the Buccaneers from Free State Stars in 2021 but was sent out on loan to Moroka Swallows where he made 29 appearances, scoring two goals and creating a further two.

The following two seasons saw Saleng play 57 times for Pirates, with 20 goals and 16 assists, but he found himself sidelined last term and was restricted to just 13 appearances at the start of the campaign, although he still weighed in with five goals and one assist.

Orbit secured their place in the Betway Premiership with victory in the promotion/relegation play-offs, with Cape Town City relegated as a result.

Reflecting on his move back to the club where he made his name, Saleng said he will give his all to help the club in their first season in the South African top-flight.

He said on IOL: "I am very happy to be back home, and I thank God for giving me the strength to find my way with Orbit. I am happy they got a promotion, and coming back home brings me a lot of joy.

"It wasn't an easy decision to come back, especially after having had a long season without playing. I kept on pushing myself even though I was not playing, and I kept supporting the team while waiting for my opportunity, but fortunately I got the opportunity to come back home."

Saleng added: "Looking at where you come from, that is where you keep pushing and not break easily. There was motivation here and there, there were talks, but I pushed until I got the opportunity to come to Orbit and get the game time so that the next time I come back, I am fit.

"The coach has shown me how he wants us to play and it has made it easy for me to adjust and the players around me have been supportive of me. My performances will talk, I know AFCON is around the corner, but my performance will do the talking."