Former Orlando Pirates winger Lebohang Mokoena has expressed his disappointment over the situation involving Mamelodi Sundowns star Monnapule Saleng.
The 28-year-old winger has yet to feature for Masandawana this season after being separated from the first team.
Last week, Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso revealed that Saleng had repeatedly broken the rules and values of the club and its dressing room.
Cardoso also claimed that the winger failed to report for the team’s second CAF Champions League match and did not attend a team camp. As a result, Saleng has been separated from the squad.
Monnapule Saleng isolated once again
Speaking on SoccerBeat, Mokoena admitted that it has been painful to watch Saleng’s situation unfold, insisting that the talented winger is a good person.
“It’s painful because Saleng is a good boy. It’s a stage; we also had players who were problematic just like Saleng. We are trying to protect him, but it came to a stage where we can no longer control him. Even coach Cardoso can’t manage him in the changeroom,” Mokoena said.
The former Pirates fan favourite also believes Saleng’s absence has cost him an opportunity to represent Bafana Bafana at the World Cup.
“It has also affected me because this kid has missed out on the World Cup. Things were lined up for him nicely. He is a very quiet, skinny boy who doesn’t talk much,” he added.
Mokoena revealed that he developed a close relationship with Monnapule Saleng during the winger’s loan spell at Swallows in 2022.
However, he admitted that his recent attempts to contact the Sundowns star have been unsuccessful.
“I tried to call him, he blocked me and I can’t reach him. What I can say is bring your head back to the game and ask yourself what made you fall in love with football,” Mokoena said.
Saleng’s future at Sundowns remains uncertain as the club continues to deal with the disciplinary situation surrounding the talented winger. Before joining The Brazilians, Monnapule Saleng had not played for Pirates in over a year and was eventually loaned out.
