Following the major coup of Monnapule Saleng, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has provided an update on when the talented attacker is likely to feature for the club.
Saleng signed with Sundowns in the past January transfer window from the Orlando Pirates, marking a new, exciting chapter for the winger. The left-footed star spent the first-half of the 2025/26 season in the colours of Orbit College FC on loan from the Buccaneers.
Saleng went out on loan to search for regular game-time after struggling to break into the Pirates team in the past few months due to off-the-pitch issues, amongst other things.
At Orbit, Saleng scored two goals and provided three assists in 12 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, during his time at Pirates, the former Free State Stars attacker established himself as one of the best talents in the PSL after scoring 25 goals and 17 assists in 70 games.
Saleng also played a major role in delivering a handful of domestic trophies at Pirates under the guidance of the then-head coach Jose Riveiro. After falling out of favour at Pirates, Saleng signed with Sundowns before the expiry of his contract at the Sea Robbers in July 2026.
WHAT CARDOSO SAID ABOUT MONNAPULE SALENG
With Sundowns fans highly anticipating Saleng’s debut, Cardoso has revealed that the Bafana Bafana international will miss the next two months of action due to an injury. Saleng will not be available for selection when Downs face his former side, Pirates, later this month is likely to return on the 1st March 2026 when Sundowns lock horns with Sekhukhune United in the league.
“Saleng is recovering very positively. If you remember, I spoke about Saleng in a negative approach. We may probably have him out for the next two months,” Cardoso said.
“I also want to take some pressure away from his recovery and himself. I believe it will not be necessary all the time. Eventually, he will come back to normal training. We have to understand if he’s feeling well physically and fitness-wise, capable of helping the team, and make him understand a few details on what we want from him.”
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