Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained why the club decided to welcome Monnapule Saleng back into the first-team setup after months of disciplinary difficulties that saw the winger train separately from his teammates.
The Portuguese coach addressed the situation after Sundowns recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Richards Bay FC in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday night.
Speaking about the decision, Cardoso said the club’s leadership, technical department, players and captaincy group collectively agreed to give both Saleng and the club an opportunity to move forward.
The decision marks a fresh chapter for the former Orlando Pirates attacker, who returned to first-team training in the build-up to Sundowns’ MTN8 final against Pirates last Saturday.
Sundowns Leadership Agrees to Give Saleng Another Opportunity
Saleng had spent months training away from the main squad after Cardoso previously acknowledged that the player had breached the club’s values and rules.
However, the Sundowns coach indicated that the club was prepared to move beyond the disciplinary situation, provided the winger continued to demonstrate the professionalism expected of a player at the club.
Cardoso said the decision involved several key figures within the organisation, including the sporting department, team captains and chairman Thlopie Motsepe.
According to the coach, Saleng has maintained the required standards since rejoining the squad and has shown consistency in training.
The club’s approach reflects an effort to resolve the matter internally while allowing the player an opportunity to rebuild trust and work towards returning to competitive action.
Cardoso Says Saleng Must Wait for His Chance
Although Saleng has returned to the first team, Cardoso stopped short of confirming when the winger would receive his next opportunity to play.
The coach explained that Sundowns now have more attacking options than they did in previous seasons, making competition for places increasingly difficult.
Cardoso nevertheless expressed confidence that Saleng would feature when the right opportunity arose.
He also stressed that trust between the player and the coaching staff was important, describing their relationship as positive.
The comments suggest that Saleng’s return to the squad does not automatically guarantee regular playing time. Instead, the winger will need to continue training consistently and compete with other attacking players for selection.
MTN8 Final Provides a Sign of Reconciliation
One of the clearest public signs that the club was moving forward with Saleng came after Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday.
During the celebrations, Cardoso was seen encouraging Saleng to lift the trophy, a moment the coach later referenced when discussing his support for the player.
Cardoso said he believed Sundowns had a special approach to handling their players and suggested that Saleng might not have received the same opportunity elsewhere.
The coach’s remarks indicated that the club wanted to support the winger’s reintegration rather than allow the disciplinary dispute to define his future at Chloorkop.
Saleng’s return to the group therefore represents more than a training decision, although his eventual return to the starting line-up remains uncertain.
Sundowns Strengthen Their Position at the Top of the Premiership
While attention has focused on Saleng’s situation, Sundowns have continued to deliver strong results on the pitch.
The Brazilians defeated Richards Bay 4-1 at Princess Magogo Stadium, with Iqraam Rayners scoring twice. Tashreeq Matthews and Fawaaz Basadien also found the net in a commanding performance.
The result left Sundowns at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 23 points from nine matches.
Orlando Pirates remained close behind on 22 points, with a game in hand, setting up a tight contest between the two title rivals.
Sundowns’ recent MTN8 triumph over Pirates also added to the team’s momentum as they pursue further success across domestic competitions.
Saleng’s Sundowns Career Still Has Much to Prove
Saleng joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Orlando Pirates during the January 2025 transfer window, arriving with a reputation as a talented attacking player.
Since moving to Tshwane, he has made eight appearances across all competitions and recorded one assist, according to the supplied report.
His return to the first-team environment gives him an opportunity to rebuild his standing at the club, but he still faces competition for minutes in a squad with several attacking options.
For Cardoso and Sundowns, the immediate priority appears to be ensuring that the player maintains the club’s standards while gradually working towards a possible return to action.
Whether Saleng can turn the second chance into a regular role will depend on his performances in training and the opportunities that emerge during the season.
