Sundowns defender Modiba raves about ex-Pirates star Saleng: ‘We know him’

Bafana Bafana international Aubrey Modiba is convinced new Mamelodi Sundowns signing Monnapule Saleng will improve the team owing to his quality.

The 27-year-old was recently unveiled by the defending Premier Soccer League champions after falling out with Orlando Pirates. From the start of the 2025/26 season, he has been playing for Orbit College, albeit on loan.

In the 13 games he played for the Mswenko Boys, Saleng was directly involved in five goals for the club as he found the back of the net two times and provided three assists.

Saleng has been brought to sustain Masandawana’s challenge for the Premier Soccer League title, the CAF Champions League, as well as the Nedbank Cup. Modiba is convinced his new teammate is a vital addition to the Brazilians.

I was also surprised!

“He’s a very good signing for us, we know what he can do and what he used to do in his previous teams,”the leftback told the media during the Nedbank Cup’s Round of 32 draw.

“We know the qualities that he has as a player. Those are the qualities that are going to help us in the team. We’ve seen him in the competitions how he has helped the teams that he has played for. He has played in the Champions League.

“He was part of the national team and hopefully he can go back and help us. Very quality signing, he was a surprise for all of us, I was also surprised.

“I’m happy that he’s part of us and hopefully he can hit the ground running,” Modiba concluded.

Saleng might make his debut on Monday when Sundowns play Orbit College in the South African top flight outing.