Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained the decision behind signing Monnapuleng Saleng, who was previously on loan at Orbit College from Orlando Pirates.
The left-winger was one of three new arrivals this transfer window, alongside striker Brayan Leon and defender Khulumani Ndamane.
However, Sundowns fans will have to wait a little longer to see him in action, as Saleng is sidelined with a quad injury that is expected to keep him out for six to eight weeks.
Cardoso explained that they signed Saleng because the team needed a fast and aggressive winger, giving them a different dimension.
“Saleng is an international player for South Africa, qualified player,” said Cardoso.
“I remember when coach Jose Riveiro spoke about Saleng in the moment he started to struggle at Pirates regarding playing and not playing and being separated from the group.
“I don’t need to speak about his quality, you know the quality that he has. I won’t speak about what happened, Pirates don’t have anything to do with me.
“What is important to know is we wanted to sign a winger and a quick, aggressive player, who can bring something different from what we had in our squad.
“It’s important that the coach has different tools to manage different opponents and characteristics of games. So the decision to bring Saleng was a sport decision from the club that obviously I had a say in.”
Cardoso added that the club will be patient with Saleng and focus on helping him regain his top form once he recovers from his injury.
“We have expectation for the future but we also have patience. Unfortunately, he’s injured and not ready to give his services to the club,” he added.
“It will take some time. We have to have patience to bring him to his best level. He needs to recover from the injury but he will recover naturally.
“Signing him in this condition is also a word of trust on the boy, our medical department and the work we’re going to do together.”