Orbit College FC head coach Pogisho Makhoye has revealed that the departure of team captain Monnapule Saleng to Mamelodi Sundowns came as an unexpected blow to the club.
Makhoye made the remarks during a post-match interview following Orbit College FC’s 2–0 defeat to Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on Monday evening.
“It was a surprise. It caught us off guard because it happened so quickly. We didn’t expect it,” Makhoye said. “We had planned our game strategy around Saleng, and when we heard that he had been sold to Mamelodi Sundowns, we had to adjust immediately. You could see in the match that we struggled without him.”
Despite the loss and the sudden exit of his captain, Makhoye remains confident that Orbit College FC has the quality and depth to survive the Betway Premiership this season, particularly with the arrival of new signings.
He explained that the team is currently in a transition phase, as new players are still adapting to the club’s playing system while several senior players are recovering from injuries.
“Give us a few days because the injured players who understand our system will be back. We want to return to our philosophy,” he added.
Orbit College FC currently occupy 13th position on the Betway Premiership standings, but Makhoye believes the team is capable of improving its league position.
He stressed that the club will continue to invest in the development of young players to strengthen squad depth and create more opportunities to secure positive results this season.
Orbit College FC will now turn their attention to upcoming league fixtures against Chippa United and Polokwane City later this month.
