Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Lebohang Mokoena is confident that winger Monnapule Saleng will make it at the club once he’s overcome his injury.
Saleng was a marquee and surprise signing for Sundowns in the January transfer window but arrived with an injury he picked up during his loan spell at Orbit College. There were fears the injury would keep the 25-year-old out for longer, but the club has since given an update that he has started light training.
‘Cheeseboy’, who is part of a small group of players to have signed for Sundowns from Pirates, told iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo that Saleng’s versatility’s will count in his favour.
“I believe he can make it,” Mokoena told iDiski Times.
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“It will, of course, depend on the role that coach [Miguel] Cardoso will give him. Sundowns do not use wingers but rather play with full-backs, and that forces the wingers to come inside. It will be interesting to see where they play him. The advantage Saleng has is that he can also play as a striker and a false nine, and that could influence the way they use him.”
Mokoena has however noted the competition Saleng will come up against in the star-studded side.
“We will see where they fit him in because there is a lot of quality at Sundowns and you wonder which player will be sacrificed for Saleng,” added Mokoena.
“I’ve heard some people saying he might be a replacement for [Lucas] Ribeiro or he can compete with [Tashreeq] Matthews, but these are three completely different players. Also, Matthews has been getting his scoring touch and has raised his hand as a reliable player for coach Cardoso.
“Saleng has got his work cut out, but he is a quality player who has a lot to give, and once he is physically fit and his mind is right, he has the potential to make an even bigger name for himself with Sundowns.”
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