Monnapule Saleng has opened up about his chances of playing for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Saleng has joined boyhood club Orbit on loan from Orlando Pirates for the whole of next season in a bid to kickstart his career and he has big ambitions, especially with players angling for places in Hugo Broos’ team for AFCON 2025 in Morocco in December.
“I know AFCON is around the corner but my performance will talk,” the 27-year-old told SABC after joining coach Pogiso Makhoye’s newly-promoted side.
Winger delighted to return to boyhood club
Saleng will spend the rest of next season at the club that honed his skills before he moved to Free State Stars, where he spent four impressive years, after which he joined Pirates in 2021.
“I must give thanks to the man above. I am very happy to be back home. Orbit College is a great team that plays exciting football, and I cannot wait to be a part of that, ” he added.
Saleng has not played for Pirates in the PSL since November 2024, while his last appearance for the club was in a CAF Champions League match against Al Ahly last December.
The winger’s issues have never been addressed with former Pirates coach Jose Riveiro shrugging off the question all the time while there were claims that he is unhappy with his current contract but he wants to put that behind and revive his career.
How did Saleng cope with Pirates woes?
“It wasn't an easy decision to return home, especially after a long season without playing,” Saleng further said.
“During this difficult time, I kept on pushing and I waited for my opportunity, but unfortunately, that did not arrive, until Orbit College came calling. Many of the current Orbit College players were actually encouraging me when I wasn't playing for Pirates.”
Saleng has played 70 games and scored 25 goals, adding 17 assists, during his four-year stay at Pirates, among them five goals in 13 games last term, before he was frozen out of the squad.
