Monnapule Saleng: Mamelodi Sundowns Sign Bafana Bafana Star From Orlando Pirates
- Mamelodi Sundowns have made a major announcement as they confirm the signing of Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates
- The Bafana Bafana winger was initially sent on loan to newly-promoted side Orbit College at the beginning of the season by the Soweto giants
- Saleng's move to Mamelodi Sundowns came as a surprise to many, and it drew mixed reactions from Premier Soccer League fans on social media
Mamelodi Sundowns have pulled off a major transfer in the Premier Soccer League, as the Brazilians have signed Bafana Bafana star Monnapule Saleng from Premier Soccer League rivals Orlando Pirates.
Source: Getty Images
Saleng has completed a move to the Tshwane-based side from arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, following a loan spell with Orbit College during the opening half of the 2025/26 campaign.
The South African international showcased his speed and creativity for Orbit during his loan period, contributing two goals and three assists in 12 games.
The 27-year-old started the 2024–25 season on a good note for the Soweto giants, but fizzled out of the team, placing a price tag on him before being loaned out at the start of this current campaign
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Sundowns sign Saleng from Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns released an official statement on their social media page to confirm the signing of Saleng from their PSL rivals on Friday, January 9, 2026.
"Masandawana, meet our latest arrival, Monnapule Saleng. Pace, power, and pure ambition as he joins the Home of the Champions," the club announced on X.
Saleng becomes the latest player to make the switch from Orlando Pirates to Mamelodi Sundowns, following in the footsteps of Oupa Manyisa, Kermit Erasmus and Thembinkosi Lorch.
Source: Getty Images
Fans react to Saleng's move to Sundowns
Saleng's move to Mamelodi Sundowns came as a surprise to PSL football fans and pundits, as no reports were linking the South African winger to the Betway Premiership champions.
After the deal was announced, fans took to social media to share their opinion concerning the player's move to Choorklop.
Ashley Matsundu Mtileni said:
"We are in pain as Pirates fans, but it was just passing, and it has landed somewhere in some village with their so called Pre contract because they like free things, njengama Slay queens."
Immanuel Makgoka shared:
"This is what happens between Pirates and Sundowns. If you give Mr Khoza Trouble they send you to Sundowns in the boat of the car. Remember the story of Cheeseboy. They know gore he is on his last six months with the team. They didn't want to lose him for free. He will warm the bench at Sundowns until he retires."
Sandile Dube wrote:
"Was this the big surprise? I don’t think it’s bigger than announcing Pitso Mosimane. Will Cardoso even use him because there is Basadien on the stands? Anyways are we aware that most former Pirates players flop at Sundowns? Only Teko and Sapula made it."
Lugen Lokish Myeni reacted:
"Guys, come on, let the boy go and experience. Pirates have been selling players to Sundowns a lot of them, and Sundowns have been selling players to Chiefs a lot of them, so life continues. Bafethu, let the guy enjoy the game, please."
Mk Mk added:
"Sundowns is trying to do to Pirates what they did to Chiefs with Maluleka. Unfortunately, with Saleng, he was no longer a regular at Pirates."
Saleng's Orlando Pirates struggles
Briefly News previously reported that Saleng is battling with depression, worsened by his dissatisfaction with the club.
The Bafana Bafana star reportedly feels underpaid, believing that his contributions on the field are not adequately reflected in his salary.
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Source: Briefly News
