Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that the club is preparing to unleash their headline January signing, Monnapule Saleng, as he nears the end of his recovery phase.
The 27-year-old winger’s move from Orlando Pirates to Sundowns sent shockwaves through South African football earlier this year. However, fans have had to be patient, as Saleng arrived with a pre-existing injury that has kept him out of the recent CAF Champions League and Betway Premiership fixtures.
The Fitness Update
Addressing the media, Cardoso emphasized that while the club is eager to see Saleng in action, they are prioritizing his long-term health.
“We have expectations for the future, but we also have patience. Unfortunately, he is injured and not ready yet, but it is not a big issue. In two months [from signing] he will be performing for Sundowns, but we hope it will be less.”
Why the Hype?
Cardoso described Saleng as a “different tool” for his tactical arsenal—an aggressive, high-quality winger who offers a profile distinct from current stars like Nuno Santos. With Sundowns currently under pressure following a 2-1 loss to Al-Hilal, Saleng’s ability to “turn moments into magic” is exactly what the “Yellow Nation” is looking for to reignite their season.
