South African attacker Monnapule Saleng faces uncertain future at Mamelodi Sundowns

South African attacker Monnapule Saleng is reportedly enduring a difficult spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, after being evicted from the first-team squad over a series of disciplinary issues.

The former Orbit College and Orlando Pirates player has fallen out of favour at the Chloorkop-based club, with head coach Miguel Cardoso revealing that Saleng has repeatedly breached the club’s rules and the standards expected within the team.

Saleng, who joined Sundowns after making a name for himself at Orlando Pirates, has been regarded as one of South Africa’s exciting attacking talents. However, his situation at the reigning champions has now become increasingly complicated, with the club taking firm action over his conduct.

Speaking after Sundowns’ dramatic 3-2 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Cardoso explained that Saleng has not been training with the team for some time.

The Portuguese coach made it clear that the decision was not based on a single incident but followed what he described as repeated breaches of the club’s rules and values.

“Saleng consecutively broke the rules and values of the locker room and of the club, and in this moment – well not in this moment, for some time already he is not training with the team,” said Cardoso.

Cardoso also revealed that Saleng had been included in the squad for a Champions League fixture but failed to report for the assignment.

The coach further claimed that the player was subsequently selected to join the team’s training camp but did not attend, with Saleng reportedly informing the club that he would not go.

“Saleng was on the list for the second match of the Champions League and he didn’t appear. Saleng was on the list to go camp but he did not appear, or he said he would not go,” Cardoso added.

According to Cardoso, the repeated incidents made it increasingly difficult for the coaching staff to maintain harmony and stability within the squad.

The Sundowns coach stressed that the club had invested significant trust and support in Saleng despite previous disciplinary problems, but insisted that the player must also demonstrate a willingness to follow the standards required by the team.

“So it’s impossible for us to keep stability with a player you give so much love, even after he systematically failed but is not ready to make the path that the team needs to have,” he said.

Cardoso confirmed that Sundowns ultimately decided to separate Saleng from the rest of the squad, meaning the winger is currently training away from the first team.

“So the club decided put him separated from the team, he’s not with us right now,” Cardoso concluded.

The development represents a significant setback for Saleng, particularly given the attacking qualities that initially made him one of the most exciting players in South African football.

At Orlando Pirates, the winger established himself as a dangerous attacking outlet, capable of creating chances, scoring goals and influencing matches from wide areas. His performances earned him recognition and helped raise expectations about his future at the highest level of the domestic game.

His move to Sundowns was therefore seen as an opportunity to continue his development at one of Africa’s most ambitious clubs, particularly with the Brazilians competing across domestic and continental competitions.

However, his current situation suggests that his immediate future at Chloorkop is uncertain.

Sundowns are competing on multiple fronts and require a high level of discipline, commitment and consistency from every member of the squad. Cardoso’s comments indicate that the club is unwilling to compromise on those standards, regardless of a player’s ability or status within the team.

Saleng will now have to decide how best to respond to the situation as he seeks a route back into the first-team setup.

For Sundowns, the priority will be maintaining unity within the dressing room as they pursue success domestically and in the CAF Champions League.

Whether Saleng can resolve his differences with the club and return to training with the first team remains to be seen, but the latest development has placed his future at Mamelodi Sundowns under serious scrutiny.