Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has clarified Monnapule Saleng’s absence from the matchday squad in the Brazilians’ emphatic victory over Polokwane City FC on Sunday afternoon.
Saleng was a notable absentee during the Sundowns’ 3-0 win over Rise and Shine in the Betway Premiership, taking a big advantage in their chase for the ninth league title in a row.
The Tshwane giants secured maximum points with three brilliant strikes from Iqraam Rayners, Tashreeq Matthews, and Nuno Santos to take a five-point advantage over Orlando Pirates.
Sundowns moved to 64 points at the summit of the log after 27 matches, while Pirates are in second spot with 59 points and a game in hand. In a match that Downs produced a mouth-watering performance in front of their home fans, Saleng was absent from the matchday squad.
The highly-rated winger joined Sundowns in January 2026 as a marquee signing from Pirates; however, he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter at the club. He has featured in seven games across all competitions and chipped in with one assist.
In the midweek clash, Saleng was an unused substitute when Sundowns defeated Polokwane City 1-0 at Seshego Stadium before missing the return fixture at Loftus Stadium on Sunday.
WHAT MUGUL CARDOSO SAID ABOUT SALENG’S ABSENCE
Miguel Cardoso has explained that Saleng sustained an injury that kept him out of contention in the starting line-up against the Limpopo-based side.
“If you take a look at the medical report, it’s clear Saleng could not be available for the line-up. When we were in the previous match in the warm-up, he didn’t feel good,” Cardoso said when asked whether Saleng’s injury was a tactical choice or an injury.
“So he was on the bench, but he could not play; we could not make a substitute on the bench, it was already late, so he was on the bench but couldn’t be lined up.
“Obviously, he’s under treatment, Nuno Santos made the last steps of his recovery, and we had a chance to bring him in not because they compete [with Saleng], but we work with what we have available.”
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