Saleng’s Sundowns struggles linked to psychological concerns, says agent

Monnapule Saleng’s difficulties at Mamelodi Sundowns are linked to a wider psychological safety and welfare concern rather than simply alleged misconduct, according to his agent Karabo Mathang Tshabuse.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso recently confirmed that the winger had been training separately from the rest of the squad after what he described as consecutive breaches of the club’s rules.

But speaking on Sports Night Amplified with Andile on Metro FM, Mathang Tshabuse said Saleng’s situation should not be reduced to accusations of bad behaviour. She stressed that she was not medically qualified to make a diagnosis, but said she had recognised a problem that appeared to have existed for some time.

“I’m not a medical doctor. I can see there’s an issue, I can see how it’s manifesting itself, but it is definitely greater than misbehaviour,” Mathang Tshabuse said.

She said the concerns had also emerged during Saleng’s time at Orlando Pirates and while he was on loan at Orbit College, meaning they did not begin after his move to Sundowns.

According to the agent, Saleng’s loan spell was partly designed to place him in a different environment and reunite him with Orbit coach Pogiso Makhoye, who had played a significant part in the player’s development. She said the decision was intended to support him beyond his footballing career.

“He is travelling a very difficult path,” she said, adding that she could identify an issue but could not determine precisely what it was.

Mathang Tshabuse described what she believed might be a fight-or-flight reaction when Saleng was experiencing distress. She said similar concerns had become apparent in more than one setting and were not limited to a particular club.

She also revealed that she had tried to arrange professional help for the player, while acknowledging that support could not be imposed on someone who was unwilling or unable to accept it.

“What I can do is I can call for help, I can cry for help, I can walk with my client for that help, but it is up to him to say, let’s take it.”

The agent said she had contacted mental health professionals and attempted to help Saleng access assistance. However, she pointed to the difficulty of supporting someone who cannot simply be compelled to engage with treatment or advice.

“We’ve raised it on all angles with all the clubs,” she said, repeating her view that Saleng was facing a psychological safety issue.

Agent rejects alcohol as confirmed cause

Mathang Tshabuse was also questioned about reports that alcohol might be involved in Saleng’s problems. She said she had no personal knowledge of alcohol abuse, although she had heard such claims from people around the player.

She revealed that she had travelled to Bloemfontein on more than one occasion, where she met Saleng and his parents in an effort to understand the circumstances. She said she did not want to violate the confidentiality of her client, but explained the steps she had taken.

“I have, on more than one occasion, gone to Bloemfontein, sat down with parents, sat down with him, asked him, you know, what is the issue, and I have come to the conclusion and the observation that there is a psychological safety issue.”

The agent did not say alcohol was the reason for Saleng’s struggles. Instead, she suggested that if such conduct was taking place, it might be a symptom of a more serious underlying difficulty.

“There’s a deeper issue that I think we all need to address.”

Saleng joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2025 but has found regular first-team opportunities hard to come by at Chloorkop. He has made eight appearances for the club, according to the supplied information, and was not included in the squad when Sundowns won the CAF Champions League trophy.

The situation has added to concerns about the career of a player once regarded as one of South Africa’s most promising attacking talents.