Sundowns boss Cardoso backs Saleng to earn more chances after return

Monnapule Saleng has been assured of further opportunities at Mamelodi Sundowns after making his long-awaited return in Tuesday’s 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup victory over Marumo Gallants.

The midfielder came on in the closing stages at Loftus Stadium, replacing Antonio van Wyk, having missed the end of last season and the beginning of the current campaign while dealing with personal issues.

Saleng has since been reintegrated into the Sundowns squad, although regular first-team football is not guaranteed. Miguel Cardoso has several alternatives on the wings, including Van Wyk, Tashereeq Matthews, Arthur Sales and Siyanda Ndlovu, who scored the only goal against Marumo Gallants.

Speaking after Ndlovu’s first-half strike secured the Brazilians’ place in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals, Cardoso said Saleng would need to demonstrate consistency in training and matches if he is to establish himself in the team.

“We, out of a process, don’t allow ourselves to exclude a human being,” Cardoso said.

“I have always told you and that’s the values I found inside this club. Those are the values that I share on myself and I multiply them with the players.

“Obviously we need to understand how to relate with everything that happened but we can’t exclude anyone. That’s the opportunity we gave Saleng to go from his thoughts and understand about himself.

“To show consistency, train systematically at a good level and be aware that some of the things that are important needed to change.”

Cardoso said Saleng would have more chances as the season progresses, with Sundowns seeking to reclaim the Betway Premiership title from Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns were eliminated from the Caf Champions League last week but remain involved in five competitions. Alongside the league and Carling Knockout Cup, the Caf Super Cup, Fifa Challenger Cup and Nedbank Cup are also still available to them.

The demanding schedule is expected to create additional opportunities for squad players competing for minutes.

“He [Saleng] made an effort in this match and he will have chances and he will be continuously evaluated like any other player, according to his performances,” Cardoso said.

“Obviously if he becomes consistent, he will have more opportunities but if he has fluctuations he will have less chances.

“I think tonight we really also wanted to show him we trust him by giving him the energy to enter in the match in a moment where it would be even easier to put another player and close the game.

“I still had the will to say, ‘Go in there’, and this is proof of the trust we have in him and a little bit of energy for him also to feel we are here for him when he will need it.”