Mamelodi Sundowns FC head coach Miguel Cardoso has addressed the ongoing absence of winger Monnapule Saleng. Speaking after his side’s 3-2 victory over Polokwane City FC, Cardoso confirmed that the player has been removed from first-team training.
The disciplinary measures follow repeated violations of team protocols by the player.
A Pattern of Misconduct
Saleng arrived at the Tshwane side during the January transfer window last season. However, his long-term future at the club is now in serious doubt.
According to Cardoso, the decision to separate the winger from the squad stems from a series of internal breaches. The issues began prior to the conclusion of the previous campaign.
“Saleng consecutively broke the rules and values of the locker room and of the club,” Cardoso explained to the press. He noted that the winger has been training away from the group for some time.
Key Incidents Outlined
The Portuguese strategist detailed specific instances that led to the management’s decision:
- CAF Champions League: Saleng was selected for the squad’s second fixture in the competition but failed to appear.
- Team Camp: The player was named in a training camp roster but did not show up, explicitly stating he would not attend.
Cardoso emphasized that the technical team tried to support the player before taking action. “It’s important for us to keep stability with a player that we gave so much love even after systematic mistakes, but is not willing to make the path a team in this level has to have,” Cardoso added.
Maintaining Squad Harmony
Managing player discipline is a crucial factor in building a successful squad. When an individual repeatedly misses mandatory team events, technical teams often intervene to safeguard collective cohesion.
Sundowns have chosen to enforce firm boundaries. The administration placed Saleng on an isolated training schedule while the situation remains unresolved.
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Source: soccerladuma.co.za