Monnapule Saleng: Why Sundowns debut for ex-Pirates star will take longer

Mamelodi Sundowns fans will have to wait a little longer before seeing Monnapule Saleng in action.

Sundowns made the surprise signing of Saleng after the winger agreed a switch from Orlando Pirates although he had been on a season-long loan at Orbit College.

The 27-year-old has already expressed his desire to fight for his place and help Sundowns win titles but he has also revealed that he is nursing an injury which means he will not be available from the start.

“I’m carrying a quad injury, I got it playing against Magesi FC away and I continued playing,” Saleng said via the Pitchside Podcast.

Injury to delay Saleng’s Sundowns debut

“During the game I could feel the pain, and the game was flowing, we were fighting for three points. After the game we went to play Chiefs, I took tablets for the pain. I didn’t make much of the pain.

“I started taking note of the pain during our game against Stellies. That is when I decided to have it checked. At Orbit, they were treating it but I had not gone for scans. During the Stellies game, I was substituted because the pain was unbearable.”

Saleng is, however, looking forward to a quick recovery so that he can help his new club. The ex-Pirates star wants to repay Sundowns for showing faith by signing him even when injured.

Ex-Pirates star keen to hit ground running

“The way they signed me while I’m injured, means they have the belief that they can help me to recover and I can help the team,” he added.

“Pressure will always be there but it’s up to you how you handle the pressure. I just need to adjust to how the team plays.

“My ambition is to help Sundowns going forward from where they left off by winning cups and the league.”

Sundowns return to action against Saleng’s ex-side Orbit College on Monday evening.