PSL Transfers: All Orlando Pirates stars who joined Sundowns
Monnapule Saleng became the EIGHTH player to directly join Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in the PSL era. Who are the others?
Orlando Pirates have again lost one of their stars in Monnapule Saleng to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
On Friday, Sundowns announced the acquisition of Saleng who had been on loan at PSL rookies Orbit College.
The move came as a huge shock to the majority of South African football fans as no one, including members of the media, saw it coming.
In fact, Pirates fans had hoped for Saleng to be recalled from his loan spell with Orbit College to try and reclaim his place.
However, that will never happen as the speedy left-footer now belongs to the Tshwane giants.
Saleng joins a growing list of players who directly left Pirates for Sundowns in the PSL era, and SA People revisits the list…
ORLANDO PIRATES STARS WHO DIRECTLY LEFT FOR SUNDOWNS
- Godfrey Sapula – 2002
- Gift Leremi – 2007
- Lebogang Mokoena – 2009
- Innocent Mdledle – 2009
- Teko Modise – 2011
- Oupa Manyisa – 2017
- Thembinkosi Lorch – 2023
- Monnapule Saleng – 2026
WHAT ARE SALENG’S NUMBERS AT BUCS?
Saleng had a successful three-year stint with the Buccaneers before he was frozen out towards the end of his initial contract.
The 27-year-old last featured for Pirates on 7 December 2024 against Al Ahly. He was loaned out Orbit College at the start of the 2025-26 season.
At Pirates, Saleng featured 70 times, scored 25 goals and provided 17 assists.
He won five trophies with the Soweto giants under the tutelage of Jose Riveiro who rated him highly until that December 2024.