Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhoye backs youth project despite relegation threat

With Orbit sitting 14th on the log and still fighting to secure top-flight status, questions have naturally intensified around team selection - particularly the continued absence of experienced defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele.

The veteran, who joined the club in October 2025 after leaving AmaZulu, made an immediate impact following a successful trial and went on to register 12 appearances. However, he has now missed four consecutive matches, including Orbit's recent fixtures in a season-defining run-in.

Despite the pressure, Makhoye insists the club will not abandon its broader development strategy for short-term fixes. Instead, he is using the remaining matches to accelerate the growth of younger players who form the core of his future plans.

His approach has already been evident in recent team selections, with Orbit fielding one of the youngest average squads in the division as they look beyond the current campaign.

The coach's stance comes even as Orbit continue to fight for survival, with every point now crucial. Their latest 2-1 win over Magesi offered some relief, but did little to change the broader narrative around their position on the table.

Mphahlele's omission has drawn attention due to his pedigree, having previously represented giants such as Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, but Makhoye remains firm that squad rotation and youth exposure are non-negotiable parts of the project.

"Even if we go to the NFD, we're building because we need these young boys," he maintained.

With three games left, the Mswenko Boys coach will be hoping his trusted youthful squad continue with a good performance they displayed against Magesi and try to save their top-flight status starting with Usuthu at Olympia Park Stadium on Saturday.