Monnapule Saleng unlikely to feature for Mamelodi Sundowns in MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Monnapule Saleng is highly unlikely to play in Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates, with a lack of competitive match fitness threatening to keep him out of the squad.

Saleng has not played at all this season after revelations about disciplinary issues that reportedly began during the previous campaign. His absence has remained a major talking point ahead of the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 27-year-old was seen training with Sundowns during the club’s media day before the match, raising hopes among supporters that he could soon return to action. However, those expectations appear to have faded after the latest update on his situation.

“It is highly unlikely that Saleng will play in the final, let alone make the bench. Remember, although he is now back training, he is still behind on competitive minutes, which puts him at a disadvantage for such a big match,” one source said.

A second source also indicated that Saleng was not part of the Sundowns travelling group when the squad departed for KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday.

“No, he was not there,” the source said.

Saleng has yet to feature since the beginning of the campaign, following bombshell revelations concerning alleged misdemeanours stretching back to last season.

Before Sundowns began their MTN8 campaign against Polokwane City, head coach Miguel Cardoso said the winger had broken club rules on several occasions. One of the incidents involved Saleng failing to report for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final against AS FAR in May.

Cardoso explained that Sundowns had chosen to isolate the Bloemhof-born player in an effort to protect harmony within the squad.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, Saleng remains relevant to a final of this importance because of his ability and previous influence in major matches.

He first attracted attention during his time at Free State Stars, helping the club secure promotion to the top flight before earning a move to Orlando Pirates in 2021.

After returning from a loan spell at Moroka Swallows, Saleng flourished under Jose Riveiro. His most notable contribution came in the 2022 MTN8 final, when he scored the only goal as Orlando Pirates defeated AmaZulu FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Sundowns will now prepare to face Orlando Pirates without clarity over whether Saleng will be available, with his lack of competitive minutes making an appearance in the final increasingly unlikely.