Orlando Pirates could come under criticism after a clause on Monnapule Saleng's loan deal to Orbit College FC was revealed.
Sections of the football fraternity believe Saleng's loan move to Orbit is a punishment for his actions after he went AWOL due to contractual issues dating back to last year.
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The other side of the argument is that the 27-year-old requested a loan move to slowly rebuild his fitness and confidence after a lengthy period on the sidelines, away from a pressured environment.
Either way, his wings may not fly at full swing at The Mswenko Boys, after the terms of his loan contract were revealed.
The speedy attacker has already worked hard enough to be in the starting line-up when Orbit open their Betway Premiership season against AmaZulu FC on Saturday.
Saleng, however, will be forced out of the matchday squad when his hometown club visit Pirates towards the end of August and also for the reverse fixture, due to a clause on his loan deal.
"He won't be able to play. Him, (Thuso) Moleleki and (Yanga) Madiba, so it's not only Saleng," Orbit head coach Pogiso Makhoye confirmed on 947's MSW.
Bucs were traditionally open to their loaned-out players to play against them. However, the Soweto giants changed their stance after Goodman Mosele scored against them while on loan at Chippa United in a match that ended 1-1 in August 2023.
Those who believe the left-footer was banished with his loan move to Orbit will feel like the Soweto giants are too being restrictive to the player, though Moleleki and Madiba will play under the same terms.
Mamelodi Sundowns are the most notorious with the loan clause that bars their own players from playing against them, something that club bosses in the PSL are beginning to frown upon.
Hence, the now-defunct SuperSport rejected a number of players on loan from the Tshwane giants last season, resulting in the likes of Etiosa Ighodaro and Sifiso Ngobeni moving to Usuthu instead.
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“I said if he couldn’t play against them, there is no deal. I can’t all the time field the second team when I’m playing against Sundowns,” club CEO Stan Matthews told reporters at the beginning of last season.
“It’s not good for my club; it’s not good for my plan. It can’t be that each time I’m playing a big match, this one can’t play, and this one can’t play.
“That’s why I didn’t take any other players on loan from Sundowns."
Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images
