Mamelodi Sundowns winger Monnapule Saleng has been left outside the club’s first-team setup, with head coach Miguel Cardoso confirming that the player is currently training separately from the squad.
The development adds another twist to Saleng’s difficult start at Chloorkop after his move from Orlando Pirates earlier this year. Cardoso says the decision follows what he described as repeated breaches of the club’s rules and values.
Why Is Saleng Training Away From the First Team?
According to Cardoso, the situation escalated after Saleng failed to report for a CAF Champions League match for which he had been selected.
The coach also revealed that the winger subsequently did not join the team’s training camp.
Cardoso explained that the club could not maintain the stability of the squad if a player repeatedly failed to follow the team’s expectations. As a result, Sundowns decided to separate Saleng from the first-team environment.
The coach’s comments suggest that this is not simply a temporary technical decision. Instead, the issue appears to involve disciplinary and team-management concerns.
Saleng Yet to Find His Feet at Sundowns
Saleng joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January, arriving with a reputation as one of the most dangerous attacking players in South African football.
However, his transition to Masandawana has not gone as smoothly as expected.
The winger has struggled to establish himself as a regular first-team player, and Cardoso’s latest comments indicate that his situation has now become more complicated.
For a player who previously enjoyed a starring role at Pirates, being separated from the first team represents a significant setback.
What Happens Next for Monnapule Saleng?
The biggest question now is whether Saleng will eventually return to the Sundowns first-team setup.
Cardoso did not provide a specific timeline for a possible return, leaving the player’s immediate future uncertain.
For Sundowns, the priority will be maintaining discipline and stability within a squad competing across multiple competitions. For Saleng, the challenge will be finding a way back into the coach’s plans and rebuilding trust within the team environment.
With the 2026/27 season underway, attention will now turn to whether the two sides can resolve the situation or whether Saleng’s future at Chloorkop could become a major talking point in the transfer market.
One thing is clear: Monnapule Saleng’s future at Mamelodi Sundowns has suddenly become a story to watch.
