Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has revealed his disappointment with recent developments around winger Monnapule Saleng, who recently joined Orbit College on loan.
In perhaps one of the most drawn-out sagas in recent memory of the PSL, Saleng went six months without playing a single competitive match for the Buccaneers, which was reported to be a contractual dispute between the club and player.
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That has seemingly come to an end, as Pirates officially confirmed that Saleng would be loaned to his former club, newly promoted Orbit College, for the 25/26 season.
It is arguably an incredible fall from grace, from a player named the Players' Player of the Season just under two years ago, and was one of the most sought-after signings both locally and abroad during his time with Pirates.
Lekgwathi, who spent 14 years at the Buccaneers, candidly conceded that he felt 'sore' over the speedy winger's situation, but remains optimistic that Saleng will find his feet once more.
"It was difficult for the boy (Saleng), 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 told journalists at the launch of the MTN8 on Wednesday evening.
"Yes, he was in a big team and now he's going to 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…
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"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."
Meanwhile, Pirates take on Polokwane City in the quarter-final of the MTN8 on Saturday.
The match will be played at Orlando Stadium.
Kick off is at 15:00.
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
