Sundowns News Today: Maku for CAF CL, caution over Saleng

Mamelodi Sundowns latest news, including when new signing Lazola Maku can play in CAF Champions League and club advised on best way to handle Monnapule Saleng.

New signing in line for CAF Champions League

Mamelodi Sundowns new signing Lazola Maku.

Mamelodi Sundowns will be able to unleash new signing Lazola Maku in the CAF Champions League if they make it to the group stages.

Sundowns lured the central midfielder to Chloorkop as a free agent following his release from Siwelele FC in July but he has been impressive for Amajita during the COSAFA U20 Championships recently.

Maku is seen by many as the replacement for Chilean midfielder Marcelo Allende who has already announced that he intends to leave at the end of his contract next June.

𝐋𝐀𝐙𝐎𝐋𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐔 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐅𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐘 💛

New colours, new chapter, same ambition. Welcome to Bafana Ba Style, Lazola! 🔥#Sundowns #WelcomeLazola pic.twitter.com/LuzG9vb6u3
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) October 20, 2026

While he will not be eligible for Sundowns in their Champions League return leg against Angolan side Wiliete SC on Friday, Maku can look forward to being involved in the group stage.

This is because there will be a new window to register players for CAF inter-club competitions ahead of the group stages, giving coach Miguel Cardoso an opportunity to add to his midfield options.

Sundowns receive Saleng advise

Monnapule Saleng training at Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates coach Augusto Palacios has advised Mamelodi Sundowns to be careful over how they handle Monnapule Saleng.

Saleng is yet to play this season after coach Miguel Cardoso revealed that the player had been frozen out of the squad for several disciplinary breaches.

While the player has since returned to team training and his coach assured him of opportunities, his agent revealed that he has been battling mental challenges and still needs help.

Palacios has told the club to first identify the real problem before finding solutions as they could make the situation worse if not handled properly.

“For me, it really depends on what type of mental health problem it is,” the veteran coach told KickOff.

Mamelodi Sundowns players Thapelo Morena, Monnapule Saleng and Lebo Mothiba. Photo: Mamelodi Sundowns

“Remember, in football you have mental illness because you’re injured, you have mental illness because you have family problems, you have mental illness because you are drinking or taking drugs.

“So, it depends. It is important that, as a coach, you first investigate what type of mental health problem he has and whether it involves soccer or his private life, you understand?

“That’s my advice. First investigate or observe what the problem is so that you will know whether he needs a specialist doctor or a psychologist.”