- Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso addressed Monnapule Saleng's return to the squad after the winger trained alone following disciplinary issues
- Cardoso confirmed the former Orlando Pirates star complied with club rules during his time away, convincing Sundowns management to reintegrate him
- The Portuguese tactician hinted that Saleng's return to competitive action is coming, but warned he must fight for his place
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has spoken openly about the circumstances that led to Monnapule Saleng being welcomed back into the first-team fold, describing the decision as a collective one involving the club's most senior figures.
Saleng, the former Orlando Pirates winger, had been separated from the group following disciplinary problems that came to light in August. Cardoso confirmed the decision to reintegrate him was reached after consultation with the sport director, the team captains and the club's chairman.
Speaking to iDiski Times, Cardoso said: "Look, in the same way I spoke about Saleng when I last spoke about him, we as a club, me, the Sport Director, the players, the captains and the chairman, we decided to allow ourselves and Saleng to move forward positively."
Saleng's Conduct Earned Him a Way Back
The coach was clear that Saleng's conduct during his time training away from the squad was the deciding factor. He described the winger as having been consistent, disciplined and respectful of the professional standards expected at the club.
"Saleng trained during a period alone and he trained quite consistently and with respect of the values that we need to have inside a professional team. And since he joined the team, he has kept that path. So we are happy that he shows consistency on training," Cardoso said.
Saleng was included in the travelling squad for Sundowns' MTN8 final this past weekend, and Cardoso publicly embraced him during the trophy celebrations.
"You saw me celebrating with him, pushing him to lift the cup of the MTN8 because I support him, I totally support him," the coach added.
Cardoso — Saleng's Time Will Come
Despite the reunion, Cardoso stressed that Saleng faces stiff competition for a place in the starting line-up. Sundowns have bolstered their attacking options this season, meaning no player's position is guaranteed.
"Obviously his time will appear in a certain moment, I'm pretty sure. When it will be? I don't know," Cardoso said, referencing a crowded forward line that includes Tsiki Ntsabeleng and others who were not even named on the bench for the MTN8 final.
He also underscored the importance of mutual trust between player and coach as Saleng works his way back. "We are trying to create a positive relation between the parts so that I can trust him and he can trust me, we can trust each other," Cardoso concluded.
Source: Briefly News