Monnapule Saleng has made a surprise return to Mamelodi Sundowns’ first-team training just days before the Brazilians face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final.
The 28-year-old winger was spotted back with the Sundowns squad on Wednesday as Miguel Cardoso’s side stepped up preparations for Saturday’s showdown at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The development is particularly intriguing given Saleng’s complicated spell at Chloorkop since joining Sundowns from Pirates.
Saleng back in the fold
Saleng has yet to make an appearance for Sundowns this season, while his future at the club has been the subject of growing speculation.
Cardoso previously indicated that the winger’s situation had moved beyond the coaching department and was now being handled by the club’s management.
Saleng had also reportedly been excluded from first-team training after an incident involving the team’s travel arrangements for last season’s CAF Champions League final.
However, Wednesday’s training session marked a notable change.
The former Pirates star was seen working with the Sundowns first team ahead of a final against the very club he left to join the Brazilians.
Could Saleng feature against Pirates?
His return to training does not necessarily mean Saleng will be included in Sundowns’ matchday squad.
The decision will ultimately rest with Cardoso and the club, with the winger having not featured for the team this season.
Nevertheless, his presence in training adds another intriguing subplot to an already highly anticipated MTN8 final.
Saleng knows Pirates well and enjoyed some of his best football in the black and white before making the move to Sundowns. A potential appearance against his former club would therefore attract plenty of attention.
Saleng’s difficult Sundowns chapter
The winger’s situation has been complicated, with his agent Karabo Mathang Tshabuse previously speaking about the challenges surrounding her client.
Tshabuse described Saleng as travelling a “very difficult path” and indicated that she had attempted to help him access professional support.
Her comments highlighted that there were issues affecting the player beyond simply his status on the football pitch.
Now, with Saleng back in first-team training, the focus shifts to what happens next.
Will Cardoso select him for the MTN8 final? And could the former Pirates star have a role to play against his old club?
For now, there is no confirmation that Saleng will feature — but his return to training has certainly added another layer of intrigue to Saturday’s blockbuster final.
Could Monnapule Saleng have the last laugh against Orlando Pirates?
