The future of Monnapule Saleng at Mamelodi Sundowns remains uncertain, with the winger yet to kick a ball this season and currently barred from training with the first team.
The 28-year-old joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates but has found himself on the sidelines, raising further questions about his future at the club.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso recently indicated that the situation surrounding Saleng is no longer a coaching matter and is now in the hands of the club’s management.
Last month, Saleng’s agent, Karabo Mathang Tshabuse, opened up about the difficult situation facing her client.
“He is travelling a very difficult path,” she said, adding that she could see there was an issue but was not in a position to determine exactly what it was.
Tshabuse suggested that Saleng’s responses during periods of distress could sometimes be difficult to manage and said she had noticed similar challenges across different environments.
Saleng yet to kick a ball for Sundowns this season
She also revealed that she had attempted to get professional assistance for the player.
“What I can do is I can call for help, I can cry for help, I can walk with my client for that help, but it is up to him to say, let’s take it.”
Saleng’s struggles with regular football are not new. Before his move to Sundowns, he spent around a year sidelined at Pirates, although the club never publicly explained why the talented winger was not featuring.
He was subsequently loaned to Orbit College before completing his move to Sundowns.
With the transfer window still open, it remains to be seen whether Sundowns will retain Saleng or consider allowing him to leave the club in the coming weeks.
