Mamelodi Sundowns new signing Monnapule Saleng has revealed that he has been playing through injury for most of the season.
The 28-year-old winger recently completed a surprise move to Masandawana from Orlando Pirates after a loan spell at Orbit College. However, Saleng has now opened up about the physical struggles he has endured in recent months.
“During games, I could feel the pain, but the match would be flowing and we were fighting for three points,” Saleng said after moving to Sundowns.
“After one of the games, we played against Chiefs and I took tablets to deal with the pain. At the time, I didn’t make much of it.”
Saleng’s move to Sundowns came as a shock
Saleng said the injury became impossible to ignore during Orbit College’s clash against Stellenbosch FC.
“I really started taking note of the pain during our game against Stellies. That’s when I decided to have it checked properly. At Orbit, they were treating it, but I hadn’t gone for scans. During the Stellies game, I was eventually substituted because the pain was unbearable.”
Despite his injury concerns, Sundowns pressed ahead with the signing, something Saleng says speaks volumes about the club’s belief in him.
“The fact that they signed me while I’m injured shows that they believe they can help me recover, and that I can help the team in return,” he added.
Saleng is aware of the expectations that come with wearing the Sundowns badge but remains unfazed by the pressure.
“Pressure will always be there. It’s about how you handle it. I just need to adjust to the way the team plays,” he said.
The former Pirates star said his ambition was to help Sundowns continue from where they left off by winning trophies and challenging for the league.