Orbit College have released an apology over comments about Monnapule Saleng made by head coach Pogiso Makhoye, who had questioned the impact of the Orlando Pirates loanee.
Makhoye expressed his frustrations with Saleng’s contribution so far, stating he felt the team played better when he was in the stands against Pirates – due to the loan agreement – then when he was on the pitch.
The Orbit coach had stated Saleng is not giving the team what they had expected, and without him in the line-up his players give 110%, while with the Pirates loanee on the field that changes.
Those comments upset parts of the club’s fanbase as well as supporters from Saleng’s mother club, with Orbit now releasing a public apology, stating they “sincerely apologise for the unintended distress caused by these comments”.
Full Orbit statement below:
“Dear Fans, Supporters, and the Football Community,
“We at Orbit College FC wish to address recent comments made by our coach regarding the performance of our player, Monnapule Saleng. We recognize that these remarks, shared last week on social media, have caused concern and disappointment among our fans, stakeholders, and the wider football community.
“We sincerely apologize for the unintended distress caused by these comments. Our intention is always to foster a positive and supportive environment for all our players, who work tirelessly to represent our club with pride and dedication. Monnapule Saleng is a valued member of our team, and we deeply regret any impression that his contributions have been undervalued or unfairly criticized.
“As a club, we are committed to supporting our players’ growth and well-being, both on and off the field. We acknowledge that public statements must be made with care to avoid misinterpretation or harm. Moving forward, we will take steps to ensure more thoughtful communication and continue to focus on unity, respect, and constructive dialogue within our team.
“We are in discussions with all involved parties, including Monnapule, to address this matter internally and ensure that our shared goals remain at the forefront. We ask for your understanding and continued support as we work to strengthen our team and uphold the values that define Orbit College FC.
“Thank you for standing by us, and we look forward to demonstrating our commitment through our actions on and off the pitch.
“Sincerely, Orbit College FC Management”