Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi says his ‘heart was sore’ over the Monnapule Saleng leaving on loan to Orbit College but is hopeful he returns to the club and back to his best.
Saleng, 27, returned to Orbit College, where he started his journey towards professional football, on loan, after his highly-publicised fallout at the club – in a move that was touted as a way for him to fall in love with the game again under a ‘father figure’ Pogiso Makhoye.
He was with the squad for the launch of their new kits in their top-flight debut, having won the promotion playoffs against Cape Town City and Casric Stars, appearing buoyant for the opportunity.
But the club legend of the Buccaneers lamented the situation, stating that Saleng is a ‘big team player’ that he wishes to see return once his loan is completed.
“It was difficult for the boy, I wanted to talk to him but I didn’t get an opportunity to speak to him and it’s football, he can bounce back,” Lekgwathi said when asked by iDiski Times if shared any words with the player.
“Yes, he was at a big team and now going go Orbit, let him go, to redeem himself and hope in years to come he will come back to play for the team again, even if it’s not Orlando Pirates…
“For me, I think he’s not a small team player. He is a big team player, and I was happy to see him playing at Orlando Pirates, wearing my number 14, continuing the legacy of that number 14 – my heart was sore after hearing the news he’s leaving Pirates.
“I hope one day he comes back to the team because it’s a loan… so my boy Saleng – I wish to see you one day coming back to Pirates.”
Saleng was an integral part of the Pirates squad during Jose Riveiro’s tenure as head coach, with 25 goals and 17 assists in 70 appearances across all competitions over the three season – albeit having only featured 13 times in the 2024/25 campaign.