Orlando Pirates fans, brace yourselves! The Buccaneers have officially confirmed the departure of two key players, Monnapule Saleng and Phillip Ndlondlo, marking a significant reshuffle ahead of the 2025/26 season. This news has sent shockwaves through the Pirates faithful, leaving many wondering about the team's future strategy.
Ndlondlo's Departure: End of an Era
Midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo's exit ends his three-year stint with the club. In a statement, Orlando Pirates thanked Ndlondlo for his contributions. "Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the departure of midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo. The 28-year-old is now free to sign with a club of his choice... The Club extends its sincere gratitude to Phillip for his professionalism and commitment," the statement read.
Saleng Returns: A New Chapter at Orbit College
The future of Monnapule Saleng has also been decided, with the confirmation of his loan move to Orbit College FC. "An agreement has been reached with Orbit College FC for the loan of Monnapule Saleng. The 27-year-old will spend the 2025/26 season with the newly crowned outfit," the club announced. This move is seen as a chance for Saleng to reignite his career after a challenging 2024/25 season.
Will Saleng Miss Out on Bafana Bafana?
However, some experts believe that Saleng's move to Orbit College could jeopardize his chances of representing Bafana Bafana at the AFCON. Club legend Moeneeb Josephs, however, believes this move is exactly what Saleng needs: "For a person who has been out of football for so long, that's a perfect situation for him because there's not much pressure at Orbit like it is at Pirates... He can express himself," Josephs stated.
Only time will tell if these changes will strengthen or weaken the Orlando Pirates. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the team will adapt and perform in the upcoming season.