Latest on ex-Pirates winger Saleng who is yet to make Sundowns' debut

Mamelodi Sundowns added three quality players to their squad during the January transfer window.

TS Galaxy’s Khulumani Ndamane was brought on board alongside Brayan Leon, who had been excellent for Colombian outfit Independiente Medellin. However, the transfer that caught the attention of the Mzansi footballing nation was that of Monnapule Saleng, who was signed from Orlando Pirates.

But while Leon and Ndamane have made a significant impact for the Brazilians, Saleng is still on the sidelines working on his fitness after recovering from an injury.

Monnapule Saleng training at Mamelodi Sundowns.

What is the latest on Saleng?

“I’m obviously informed by the people like [our media officer], and also by my assistants regarding what people speak about players and this and that. There’s a lot of misinformation regarding the players that are injured or not injured,” coach Miguel Cardoso told the media.

“It’s very important that on the match day that people in general take a look at the report that is press-released by our media officer, so that they understand the players that can be lined up or not because then there’s a lot of arguments and discussions on players that are injured and cannot even play.

“There’s no need for those kinds of bad thoughts, let’s say. So, Saleng is still injured. It’s a situation that is obviously progressing. Let’s see when he can help the team,” he added.

Where is Sales?

Arthur Sales is the other player who has missed the last couple of matches across all competitions.

The South American suffered a knock in the CAF Champions League’s Group C fixture against Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger. Masandawana claimed a 2-0 victory to make the quarter-final of the prestigious continental competition.

“Arthur [Sales] is still out, what obviously makes you understand clearly that those are positions where we need energy, we need characteristics that the two of them can bring in the team,” Cardoso updated.

After their 1-0 win over AmaZulu in the Premier Soccer League outing staged at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday night, Masandawana will be in action on Sunday against an unpredictable Sekhukhune United side in PSL, before facing Golden Arrows on Wednesday.