The head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, Miguel Cardoso, announced that Monnapule Saleng trains separately from the starting team after the player repeatedly violated club rules and values.
Saleng was absent again during the MTN8 cup match, where Sundowns defeated Polokwane City 3-2 after extra time. This result allowed the defending champions to advance to the semi-finals.
The former winger of Orlando Pirates has not played for Masandawana this season. When asked about this after Sundowns' first home match of the campaign, Cardoso provided a detailed explanation.
According to the Portuguese coach, Saleng's situation is related to a series of disciplinary problems that led to the player being out of the first team for some time. Cardoso stated after the match: 'Regarding Saleng, the situation is unfortunately very different. Saleng has consistently violated the rules and values of the dressing room and the club, and at the moment—well, not at the moment, but for some time now he has not been training with the team.'
Cardoso also mentioned that Saleng missed an important match in Sundowns' successful CAF Champions League campaign, despite being included in the squad for the second final match. The coach added: 'Saleng was on the list for the second Champions League [final] match and he did not appear.'
Furthermore, the winger, who was expected to be in the club's pre-season training, did not travel with the team. Cardoso explained: 'Saleng was on the list for the [pre-season] camp, but he did not show up, or said he would not go.'
The coach suggested that Sundowns tried to support the player, but ultimately had to prioritize squad stability. He noted: 'Therefore, it is impossible for us to maintain stability with a player whom you care so much about, even after he has systematically failed, but is not ready to follow the path required by the team. Therefore, the club decided to separate him from the team; he is not with us now.'
Saleng joined Sundowns from Pirates in January after a long absence from Buccaneers, but his stay in Chlokope has not yet brought consistent success to the squad. His recent absence raises new questions about his future at the current Betway Premier League champions, especially given Cardoso's statement that the player is currently not part of the first team plans. While Sundowns' focus is now on the MTN8 semi-finals and attempts to win another trophy on multiple fronts, Saleng's future remains uncertain following the coach's latest remarks.
