Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shed light on the reintegration of Monnapule Saleng after the winger made his long-awaited return following a six-month spell on the sidelines due to disciplinary issues.
The 28-year-old’s future at Chloorkop was plunged into uncertainty after he was exiled from the main squad and forced to train alone for breaching the club’s internal values and codes of conduct. His disciplinary woes also saw him left behind when the team travelled to Austria for their 2026/27 pre-season camp.
However, the Bafana Bafana international and the club have since smoked the peace pipe. Saleng made his official return on Tuesday night, coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute for Antonio van Wyk in Sundowns’ 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup victory over Marumo Gallants at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
Addressing the media after the match against Gallants, Cardoso explained the philosophy behind granting the former Orlando Pirates winger a second chance.
‘WE DON’T EXCLUDE ANYONE’ – CARDOSO ON SALENG
“First of all, I always tell you—these are the values I found at this club, which I share and multiply with my players,” said Cardoso.
“We don’t allow ourselves to exclude a person or human being out of a process. Obviously, we need to understand how to relate with them in everything that happens. But we don’t exclude anyone, and that’s the opportunity we gave to Saleng.”
SALENG MUST FIGHT FOR HIS PLACE
While the door has been opened, Cardoso emphasised that Saleng will not receive preferential treatment and must earn his minutes through consistent performances on the training pitch.
“For him, it’s about going over his faults, understanding himself, showing consistency, and training systematically at a good level,” the Portuguese coach added.
“[He needs to] be aware of the things that were important to change, and he has made that effort. He will get his chances based on his performances and continuous evaluation, just like every other player. Naturally, if he becomes consistent, he will get more opportunities.
“Against Gallants, we wanted to show him that we trust him and give him the energy to step onto the pitch. In that moment, it might have been easier for me to bring on a defensive player to close out the game. But I wanted to give him that vote of confidence so he feels that we are here for him when he needs us.”
With Masandawana through to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup, Saleng will aim to build on his cameo and force his way back into regular starting contention.
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