Orbit College coach Pogiso Makhonye has cast doubt on Monnapule Saleng’s influence at the club, openly admitting the team may function better without the Orlando Pirates loanee.
Saleng’s arrival at Orbit was meant to signal a revival for the winger’s career. Makhonye backed him from the start, even handing him the captain’s armband as a show of confidence. But just weeks in, the coach has grown concerned.
Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube, Makhonye did not mince his words.
“So far, he hasn’t given us what we expected from him as a big player,” he said. “We need to ask ourselves as a team — are we playing better when he’s in the squad, or when he’s not?”
The coach suggested that Saleng’s presence might even discourage teammates from giving their all.
“When he’s not in the team, everyone puts in 110%. But when he’s on the field, the others tend to sit back and rely on him,” Makhonye explained.
The coach admitted he may have erred by thrusting Saleng into a leadership role so soon, especially given the winger’s lack of game time at Pirates before his move.
“Maybe we’ve given him too much responsibility too early,” Makhonye conceded. “These boys were doing the job before without a big name. Now they want to rely on him. We need to help him, not burden him.”
With crucial fixtures ahead, Makhonye insists the next two weeks will be critical in assessing both the player’s role and the team’s balance.
