Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has confirmed that Monnapule Saleng is currently training separately from the club’s first team following what he described as repeated breaches of the club’s internal rules and values.
Speaking about the situation, Cardoso revealed that the former Orlando Pirates winger has been away from the main squad for some time, with a series of incidents reportedly leading to the club’s decision. “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.” Cardoso said. The Sundowns mentor also disclosed that Saleng had previously been included in the squad for a Champions League fixture but allegedly failed to make himself available. According to Cardoso, the player was also expected to join the team’s camp but did not report.
“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 to camp, but he did not appear, or he said he would not go.” Cardoso stressed that maintaining discipline, unity and stability within the squad remains a priority, particularly when a player repeatedly fails to meet the standards expected by the club.
“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.” As a result, Sundowns have decided to separate Saleng from the first-team setup for the time being, with the player currently training away from his teammates.
“So the club decided to put him separated from the team. He’s not with us right now,” Cardoso confirmed The situation now raises further questions about Saleng’s future at Mamelodi Sundowns as the club continues to prioritise discipline and stability within its squad.
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