Orlando Pirates
Several Orlando Pirates players currently on loan at Orbit College will not feature in their side’s Betway Premiership match against the Buccaneers. This restriction stems from a standard clause in their loan deals, designed to prevent loanees from playing against their parent club. The affected players include star winger Monnapule Saleng, attacking midfielder Thuso Moleleki, and left-back Yanga Madiba, all of whom are set to miss out on the highly anticipated encounter at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 26 August 2025. This development adds an extra layer of intrigue to the fixture, as Orbit College, newly promoted to the top flight, face a stern test without some of their key reinforcements.
The Loan Clause and Its Implications
Loan agreements in the Betway Premiership often include provisions that bar players from facing their owning clubs, a practice aimed at avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining competitive balance. In this case, the clause explicitly prohibits Saleng, Moleleki, and Madiba from taking the field against Orlando Pirates. This is not uncommon in South African football, where parent clubs like Pirates seek to protect their interests while allowing players to gain valuable game time elsewhere. However, it has sparked discussions among fans about fairness, especially when compared to similar arrangements involving other teams.
The same restriction will apply to the reverse fixture on 23 May 2026 at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, Orbit College’s home ground. For Orbit, this means planning without these influential players for two crucial matches in the season. The club, based in the North West province, earned promotion to the Premiership after a strong showing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, where they pipped Cape Town Spurs to the title on goal difference. Their coach, Pogiso Makhoye, has emphasised building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, but losing access to these loanees against Pirates could impact their strategy.
Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, benefit from this clause as they look to maintain their strong start to the 2025/26 campaign. The Sea Robbers have been active in the transfer market, bolstering their squad with new signings while loaning out players to manage squad depth. This approach allows young talents and fringe players to develop without weakening the first team.
Spotlight on Monnapule Saleng: A Career Revival in Progress
At the centre of this story is Monnapule Saleng, Orbit College’s jersey number 10, who has been a standout figure in South African football. The 27-year-old winger, known for his pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal, joined Orbit on a season-long loan from Orlando Pirates in July 2025. This move marked a return to his roots, as Saleng began his professional career at Orbit before stints at SuperSport United and eventually Pirates.
During his time at Pirates, Saleng made a significant impact, registering 25 goals and 17 assists in 70 appearances. His breakthrough came in the 2022/23 season, where he scored 15 goals and provided 11 assists, earning him a spot in the Bafana Bafana national team. However, the 2024/25 season proved challenging, with limited game time leading to frustration. Saleng has openly spoken about his excitement at returning to Orbit, saying he is “very happy to be back home” and views the loan as an opportunity to revive his form. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” he admitted, but he hopes to return to Pirates stronger, potentially in the 2026/27 season.
Orbit coach Pogiso Makhoye has praised Saleng’s addition, noting that his experience brings quality to the squad. Despite the clause barring him from the Pirates games, Saleng is expected to play a pivotal role in Orbit’s survival bid in the Premiership. His absence tomorrow night could be felt, given his ability to unlock defences and create scoring opportunities.
The Other Loanees: Thuso Moleleki and Yanga Madiba
Joining Saleng on the sidelines are fellow Pirates loanees Thuso Moleleki and Yanga Madiba, further depleting Orbit’s options for the match. Moleleki, a 25-year-old attacking midfielder, is known for his creativity and vision in the final third. He joined Orbit to gain regular minutes after struggling for opportunities at Pirates. His technical skills and ability to link play make him a valuable asset, but the loan clause means he will watch from the stands.
Yanga Madiba, a 23-year-old left-back, represents the younger end of Pirates’ loan contingent. Versatile and energetic, Madiba can also play as a winger, adding depth to Orbit’s defence. His move to Orbit is part of Pirates’ strategy to develop promising talents, and like his teammates, he is barred from facing the Buccaneers.
Orbit’s squad depth is further bolstered by other Pirates loanees not mentioned in the initial clause details, such as forward Gomolemo Khoto and winger Siyabulela Mabele, both 22 years old. While it’s unclear if they are subject to the same restrictions, their presence highlights the strong partnership between the two clubs. In total, five Pirates players are on loan at Orbit, underscoring the Buccaneers’ influence in nurturing talent for the Premiership.
Match Preview: Orlando Pirates vs Orbit College
The clash at Orlando Stadium on 26 August 2025 kicks off at 19:30, broadcast live on SuperSport PSL channel 202. Pirates enter as heavy favourites, with betting odds reflecting a 64% chance of victory for the home side. Under coach Jose Riveiro, Pirates have built a formidable squad, blending experience with youth. Key players like midfielder Thalente Mbatha and forward Tshegofatso Mabasa will be crucial in breaking down Orbit’s defence.
Orbit College, making their Premiership debut this season, have shown resilience in pre-season friendlies. Coach Makhoye has focused on signing experienced players to complement the loanees, aiming for a solid defensive setup. Without Saleng and company, they may adopt a cautious approach, looking to counter-attack. Predictions suggest a comfortable win for Pirates, with a clean sheet likely, but Orbit’s fighting spirit could make it competitive.
The return leg on 23 May 2026 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium promises another intriguing battle, potentially towards the end of the season when points could be vital for both teams’ objectives.
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