Sundowns secure Pirates star Saleng in surprise deal

Mamelodi Sundowns have once again demonstrated their dominance in the transfer market, officially confirming the surprise acquisition of winger Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates.

The move comes as a major surprise to the South African football fraternity, particularly given the player’s recent history and the fierce rivalry between the two powerhouses.

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗜𝗧 𝗨𝗣 🔥⚽️

Masandawana, meet our latest arrival, Monnapule Saleng. Pace, power, and pure ambition as he joins the Home of the Champions. 🏆

Let the messages of support roll in ⬇️#Sundowns #WelcomeSaleng pic.twitter.com/SLlvSvFpVQ

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 9, 2026

From the Wilderness to Chloorkop

Saleng’s move comes after a turbulent period behind the scenes at Pirates. Before his recent loan spell at newly-promoted Orbit College FC, the former Free State Stars speedster was missing in action for months following a high-profile fallout with the Buccaneers’ management.

Despite the off-field friction, Saleng’s pedigree is undeniable. During his stint with the Soweto giants, he was a statistical powerhouse, amassing 70 appearances, 25 goals, and 17 assists. He played a pivotal role in Jose Riveiro’s side, helping the club secure a haul of domestic silverware over the past three seasons.

During his brief stint at Orbit, the attacker also proved his class remains intact, providing five goal contributions (two goals and three assists) in just 12 appearances. This resurgence clearly caught the eye of the Sundowns scouting department, who moved swiftly to secure his signature on Friday afternoon.

A Message of Intent by Sundowns

The timing of the move to Sundowns is significant. The Tshwane giants have endured an uncharacteristically shaky start to the season, currently sitting second on the log with 26 points from 13 matches. They trail leaders—and Saleng’s former employers—Pirates by two points.

By snapping up Saleng, the Brazilians have issued a clear warning that they intend to reclaim their domestic dominance and push for the elusive CAF Champions League title.

“Masandawana, meet our latest arrival, Monnapule Saleng. Pace, power, and pure ambition as he joins the Home of the Champions,” the club announced on social media on Friday. Masandawana is proud to welcome midfielder Monnapule Saleng to the Club.”

𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀𝐏𝐔𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐆 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 👆🏆

𝘔𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘭𝘶𝘣! 𝘋𝘳𝘰𝘱 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳… pic.twitter.com/IFyPC2wGde

— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) January 9, 2026

The signing fulfils a promise made by Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, who recently signalled that the club would be active in the January market. Saleng now joins an elite list of stars who have traded the Black and White of Pirates for the Yellow of Sundowns, following in the footsteps of Oupa Manyisa, Kermit Erasmus, and Thembinkosi Lorch.