Mannapule Saleng: Cardoso provides major update on ex-Pirates star’s recovery

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has provided another update on the injury of new signing Monnapule Saleng.

Saleng was a shock signing for Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in the January transfer window but he arrived carrying a quad injury, meaning his debut for his new club will take a little longer.

The winger went straight into rehabilitation with the Sundowns medical department and Cardoso saying last month that he will be out for eight weeks.

Cardoso on Saleng’s recovery

“It is not a big issue. We believe, maximum, let us make it very negative…in two months, he will be performing or able to perform for Sundowns but we hope it will be less,” Cardoso told the media last month.

However, Cardoso now says the left-footed winger might not take that long and could be available for selection sooner than initially reported.

“Saleng is recovering very positively. If you remember, I spoke about Saleng in a negative approach. We may probably have him out for the next two months,” Cardoso said on Monday.

When will the winger be available?

“I also want to take some pressure away from his recovery and himself. I believe it will not be necessary all the time.

“Eventually, he will come back to normal training. We have to understand if he’s feeling well physically and fitness-wise, capable of helping the team, and make him understand a few details on what we want from him.”

Saleng joined Sundowns after spending the last six months on loan at Orbit College where he scored two goals and provided three assists in 12 games and there is excitement among fans who hope he can rediscover is form of old which made him the PSL Player of the Year three seasons ago.