Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has shared his concerns about Monnapule Saleng’s current situation at Mamelodi Sundowns, revealing that his attempts to reach out to the talented attacker have been unsuccessful.
Saleng has not featured for Sundowns this season after being separated from the first team following reported disciplinary issues.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso recently explained that the winger had failed to meet certain club expectations, including missing a CAF Champions League team commitment and not attending a scheduled team camp. As a result, Saleng has remained away from the main squad.
Mokoena Worried About Saleng’s Football Future
Speaking on SoccerBeat, Mokoena said it has been difficult watching Saleng go through a challenging period, describing the 28-year-old as a talented player with a good character.
The former Pirates star explained that many footballers experience difficult moments during their careers but believes Saleng now needs to rediscover his passion and focus.
“It’s painful because Saleng is a good boy. It’s a stage; we also had players who were problematic. We are trying to protect him, but it reached a point where we can no longer control him,” Mokoena said.
Mokoena also highlighted the impact the situation could have had on Saleng’s international ambitions, suggesting that the winger may have missed a major opportunity to represent Bafana Bafana at the World Cup.
According to Mokoena, Saleng had been on the right path before his struggles at club level affected his progress.
Former Pirates Star Fails to Reach Saleng
Mokoena revealed that he built a strong relationship with Saleng during the player’s loan spell at Moroka Swallows in 2022.
However, his recent efforts to offer support have not been successful, with Mokoena claiming that Saleng blocked his attempts to make contact.
The former winger urged Saleng to reflect on his journey and reconnect with the love for football that helped him rise to the top.
Saleng’s future at Sundowns remains uncertain as the club continues to address the situation. Before joining Sundowns, the attacker had already experienced a difficult period at Orlando Pirates, where he spent more than a year without playing before being loaned out.
The coming weeks could prove crucial in determining whether Saleng returns to the Sundowns setup or seeks a fresh start elsewhere.
