Mamelodi Sundowns winger Monnapule Saleng has missed the past two matches against Chippa United and Durban City due to injury concerns. Here’s a fresh update on his situation.
Since joining Sundowns in January, Saleng’s playing time has been limited as he works to establish himself at Chloorkop. His last appearance came on 17 April 2026, when he featured in the 3-1 win over Marumo Gallants. Prior to that, he played 25 minutes in the 3-0 victory against Stade Malien at Loftus Stadium.
The 26-year-old attacker has made just four appearances in recent weeks, three of them as a substitute, and has registered one assist, which came in the 3-1 win over Sekhukhune United.
WHAT’S THE NATURE OF SALENG’S INJURY?
Saleng has a muscle strain that has kept him out of action. The club’s medical team is reportedly working intensively to get Saleng back to full fitness as the club juggles a domestic and continental title chase.
The Brazilians are locked in a fierce Betway Premiership title race with Saleng’s former side, Orlando Pirates. On the other hand, they are preparing for a CAF Champions League semi-final showdown. The Brazilians were without several key players in their recent fixture against Durban City, including Mothobi Mvala, Saleng, and striker Peter Shalulile. New signings Miguel Reisinho and Nuno Santos were also unavailable.
Attention now turns to the CAF Champions League semi-finals, where Sundowns will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis in a two-legged tie. They face the Tunisian giants away on Sunday, followed by the return fixture in Pretoria next weekend.
In between their continental commitments, Sundowns face a tricky domestic assignment against Stellenbosch FC, a must-win clash as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the Betway Premiership standings.
Following the semi-final, the Tshwane giants will travel to face Richards Bay FC and Polokwane City, before hosting ‘Rise and Shine’ in the reverse fixture. A high-profile encounter against Kaizer Chiefs also looms, before closing out the season against Bloemfontein Celtic and TS Galaxy.
With a second star and the ninth successive league title still within reach, Saleng’s fitness could prove pivotal in the final stretch of the campaign.
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