Orbit College release Mphahlele, Motshwari and Kapinga after relegation from Premiership

Orbit College FC have released four senior players, including experienced defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele and former Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari, as the club reshapes its squad following relegation from the Betway Premiership.

The North West-based side finished bottom of the 16-team top-flight table last season and will compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship in the new campaign.

Club sources have confirmed that Mphahlele, Motshwari, Lesedi Kapinga and Pogiso Mahlangu will not be part of the team’s attempt to return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Major clear-out after relegation

Orbit College endured a difficult 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, winning only six of their 30 league fixtures and ultimately dropping straight back down after ending the campaign in 16th place.

In response, the club has begun an overhaul of its playing staff, with several high-profile departures from a squad that had been hastily assembled following their promotion.

KickOff reports that four of the side’s most recognisable names have now departed as preparations intensify for life in the second tier.

“The team is already planning for their return to the NFD following the relegation from the PSL. Motshwari, Mphahlele, Mahlangu, and Kapinga have not reported for pre-season,” says a source.

The reference to the NFD (National First Division) reflects the former name of what is now officially known as the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

Short stays for big-name arrivals

All four players had joined Orbit College relatively recently and on short-term arrangements.

Midfielder Pogiso Mahlangu arrived in November on a short-term deal but struggled to establish himself. He made only three appearances during the second half of the season as the club battled to avoid the drop.

Veteran defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele, a former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns player, signed in October. He featured 11 times for Orbit College, bringing top-flight experience to a fragile defence, but was unable to help steer the team to safety.

Ben Motshwari joined in January and quickly became a fixture in midfield. The ex-Orlando Pirates man played in 10 matches and was one of the more regular contributors among the club’s mid-season recruits.

Kapinga’s brief spell

Attacking midfielder Lesedi Kapinga, previously on the books of Sekhukhune United, arrived on a free transfer after leaving the Limpopo side.

Despite his creativity and top-flight pedigree, Kapinga’s impact was also limited in terms of game time. He played only four matches for Orbit College, though he did manage to find the net once during his short stint.

Focus shifts to promotion push

With all four players now out of the picture and absent from pre-season training, Orbit College’s management and technical team are expected to bring in younger and more long-term options suited to the demands of the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The club’s immediate objective will be to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for promotion at the first attempt, as they seek an early return to the PSL after a bruising debut season in the Betway Premiership.