Saleng, 27, had been on loan at Orbit College in the first half of the season after falling out of favour at Pirates, but has now made the move to the Buccaneers’ Betway Premiership title rivals Sundowns.
It is a move few saw coming, not least because Saleng struggled to make a major impact at promoted Orbit College, although he did manage two goals and three assists in 12 starts across the league and Carling Knockout.
Saleng rose to prominence at second-tier Free State Stars during the 2019/20 season and netted 13 league goals in the following campaign.
That form earned him a move to Pirates, but he was immediately loaned out to Moroka Swallows for the 2021/22 season.
He became a firm favourite at Pirates under José Riveiro in the Spaniard’s first two seasons in charge, helping the club to twin MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles.
Saleng scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 58 starts for the Buccaneers, but then fell out of favour during the 2024/25 campaign and was barely used.
He plays predominantly as a left winger, but is also capable of operating on the right flank or in an attacking midfield role.
Just where he will fit into the star-studded Sundowns squad remains to be seen.
Saleng could make his Sundowns debut against his former side Orbit College on January 19.
Sundowns currently trail Pirates by two points in the Betway Premiership standings, having played one game more.