Saleng Joins Sundowns as Fans Ask: Is Pitso Mosimane Next?
The shock transfer of Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates to fierce rivals Mamelodi Sundowns has sparked one of the most heated debates of the January window, with former player and analyst Cheezboy Mokoena offering insight into why the Buccaneers sanctioned the deal.
Speaking on Talking Sundowns by SoccerBeat, Cheezboy confirmed that the move is a permanent transfer, not a loan, ending Saleng’s turbulent Pirates chapter. The winger spent the first half of the season on loan at Orbit College, where he served as captain and registered two goals and three assists in 13 matches — a clear attempt to rebuild confidence and form.
“Pirates were not going to use him”
According to Cheezboy, Pirates faced a practical decision. Saleng was no longer central to their plans and risked leaving for nothing at the end of his contract.
“Orlando decided we’re not going to use the boy before we lose him for free,” Cheezboy explained, adding that selling him to a top club was preferable to sending him to a smaller side where his career could stagnate.
From this perspective, the transfer becomes a financially and professionally pragmatic move: Pirates cash in, while Saleng secures a high-level platform to revive his career.
A ‘Pitso Mosimane’ signing?
One of the biggest talking points from the show was whether this transfer signals the influence — or possible return — of Pitso Mosimane. Cheezboy strongly believes so.
“This is not a Cardoso or Flemming Berg signing. This is a Pitso signing,” he insisted, suggesting the deal hints at bigger strategic shifts at Chloorkop.
While nothing is confirmed regarding Sundowns’ future technical leadership, the Saleng acquisition has fuelled speculation that the club is preparing for a new era.
Why Sundowns?
Cheezboy described the move as an “SOS” — a lifeline for a proven match-winner who “doesn’t become a bad player overnight.”
At 27, Saleng enters a squad stacked with quality and faces fierce competition, but also the chance to win trophies, play CAF Champions League football and reclaim national-team relevance.
“If you want to win things, you must come here,” Cheezboy said of Sundowns. “He brings goals. That’s what excites me” .
Fans react: shock, excitement and doubt
The announcement triggered an avalanche of reactions online. Here is a snapshot of fan sentiment across clubs and personalities:
@kurtsoccerbeat: “CRAZY that nobody saw this one coming!”
@JohannesMotene: “I’m a Bucs fan but very happy for him. The boy deserves a big team.”
@WallingtonButhelezi: “Not surprised. Sundowns needed wingers this season.”
@90s.Babeyy: “Sundowns’ style might not suit him. Passing vs counter-attack.”
@mntambos: “Pitso is responsible.”
@sibonelozulu5263: “Big move made in silence. Very few predicted this.”
@TokaiXL: “Great business by Pirates, but I’m not sure he’ll fit at Downs.”
@ScraggyTwicce: “At Sundowns you must be at your best every single day.”
@SeanGolden: “As a Pirates fan, I’m happy for Saleng. Quality player.”
@Afrika-x8j: “He won’t play, but at least he’ll get paid.”
@mishackwillbeyoupakgwete: “If Pitso comes, Saleng will shine.”
@Hunkzilla: “Where are Maseko and Kodisang now? Exactly.”
@Ke_Monogeng: “Chiefs fan here, happy for Saleng. Jingles will bring the best out of him.”
@thabondayi: “Painful, but Pirates did right not to destroy his career.”
The bottom line
Pirates sold Saleng because they no longer planned to use him, faced the risk of losing him for free, and received a strong offer from a direct rival. Sundowns, meanwhile, see a proven PSL attacker who could reignite their wide threat — and perhaps signal bigger changes ahead.
For Saleng, the message is clear: this is a second chance at the very top. What happens next will depend not on the transfer fee or the politics, but on whether he can seize his moment in yellow.