Cardoso explains Saleng return after Sundowns’ Carling Knockout win

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso says Monnapule Saleng’s late appearance against Marumo Gallants was intended to demonstrate the club’s continued trust in the winger.

The 28-year-old made his first appearance of the season when he came on for the final seven minutes of Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup last 16.

The result secured Sundowns’ place in the quarter-finals, while Saleng’s introduction marked his return to competitive action after being left out since the off-season.

Cardoso had previously indicated that the former Orlando Pirates player’s absence was linked to his attitude in training and within the dressing room. However, the coach said Saleng had been given an opportunity to address those issues and could earn further opportunities through his performances.

“First of all, I always told you and that’s the values I found inside this club, and those values I share on myself, and I multiply with my players,” said Cardoso.

“We don’t allow ourselves to exclude a person, a human being, out of a process. Obviously, we need to understand how to relate with everything that happens, but we don’t exclude no one.”

Cardoso added that Saleng had made the necessary effort and would now be assessed in the same way as every other player in the squad.

“And I think that’s an opportunity we gave to Saleng, for him to go over on his thoughts, understand about himself, show consistency, train systematically in a good level, be aware of some of the things that were important to change,” he said.

“He made his effort. He will have his chances according to the performance that will be absolutely continuously evaluated, like all the other players. And obviously, if he becomes consistent, he will have more chances. If he has more fluctuations, he’ll have less chances.”

The decision to bring Saleng on at Loftus was also a deliberate message from the coach, who could have selected another player to help Sundowns protect their narrow lead.

“I think today [Tuesday] we really also wanted to show him that we trust him and give him the energy to enter on a match. Maybe in a moment that would be even more easy for me to just put one more player to close the game, I still had the will to say go there,” Cardoso said.

“It’s a proof of trust and a little bit of energy for him, also to feel that we are here for him when he will need.”

Cardoso made clear that Saleng’s future involvement would depend on maintaining a consistent level in training and matches. Strong performances would lead to more game time, while inconsistency would limit his opportunities.