In a stunning debut season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, North West Province's Orbit College FC has taken the league by storm. The team has secured their position at the top of the table. Their ascent to the summit comes after earning promotion from the ABC Motsepe League, the third-tier of South African football.
The 2023/24 season has witnessed the remarkable rise of Orbit College, and they have wasted no time in establishing themselves as formidable contenders. They demonstrated their prowess by securing six wins, a draw, and just one loss. This exceptional record has placed them comfortably atop the league standings, amassing a total of 19 points.
What makes their early success even more impressive is that they are outperforming former Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams, such as Maritzburg United, Baroka, Marumo Gallants, and Black Leopards in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Coach Pogiso Makhoye, who has played a pivotal role in Orbit College's success, has wisely cautioned his team against complacency.
With the spotlight shining brightly on his squad, he is eager to ensure that their impressive performance continues throughout the season. As one of the surprise packages of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Orbit College has notably defeated former PSL team Marumo Gallants with a scoreline of 3-2 and Black Leopards by 2-0.
These victories have been instrumental in their current league standing. It's worth noting that North West Orbit College FC has historically played a pivotal role in the development of soccer talent in the region, offering a platform for stars like Monnapule Saleng, who has gone on to represent Orlando Pirates and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana. It's also important to mention that the North West Province currently lacks representation in the lucrative PSL.
The last team from the province to compete in the PSL was Platinum Stars. However, with the exceptional performance of Orbit College, the dream of Premier League football in the North West may not be far off. The meteoric rise of Orbit College FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship is a testament to their dedication, skill, and the belief that they have what it takes to make a significant impact in the world of South African football. With their current form and determination, they are well on their way to achieving just that.
