Orbit coach slams Monnapule Saleng

Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhonye has expressed his disappointment in Monnapule Saleng this season.

The 27-year-old speedy winger joined Orbit on loan from Orlando Pirates, but has struggled to find form at his new club. In the four matches he played, he has not scored or provided an assist.

Makhonye, as expected, has not been impressed with Saleng, given the talent the player has. He was seen by many as the player who would guide the young players and also rediscover his form which made him one of the league’s best wingers.

Monnapule Saleng struggling for form at Orbit

“So far, I think he’s not given us what we expected from him as a big player. A player that comes in as a big name, so those are the things that you need to sit down and check as a team. To say, ‘is it really affecting the team, are we playing better when he’s in the team or when he’s not in the team’,” said Makhoye.

“Well, out of the four games that he has played, I think he’s not the Saleng that we used to see at Pirates. He’s still struggling. He hasn’t given us much, especially in the four games that he has played, as he has no assists and no goals,” said Makhoye.

Monnapule Saleng was not present during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates as he watched from the stands. His coach suggested the team played better against the Buccaneers without the winger.

“Even when we played against Pirates, and he was not part of the team, I felt the youngsters did very well without him. However, we will help him adjust to the team, and we are patient with him. But as much as we are patient with him, we need to put the team first. We will work with him and see how we can improve the team.”

Monnapule Saleng last played for Pirates back in December and if he continues to find form, he might not play for the club again given the quality of the signings the club made this season.