Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has spoken in detail about Monnapule Saleng’s return to the squad after a long period of training alone.

Cardoso previously revealed that Saleng had been sidelined because of disciplinary problems.

The player, who signed from Orlando Pirates, is now back training with his teammates. He was also part of the Sundowns squad that went to the MTN8 final last weekend.

Cardoso says Saleng showed good conduct while training on his own, following the club’s rules. That led Sundowns’ coaches and management to give him another chance.

“As I spoke about Saleng before, we as a club, myself, the sporting director, the players, the captains and the chairman, decided to give ourselves and Saleng the opportunity to move forward in a good way,” Cardoso said.

He added that Saleng trained alone for some time, but did so with commitment and respect for the team’s rules.

“Saleng was training alone for some time and he did that well, respecting the rules we need to have in a leading team,” Cardoso said. “Since he returned to the team, he has continued to behave that way. We are happy with the commitment he is showing in training,” the Portuguese coach continued.

Although Cardoso believes Saleng will get his chance to play, he stressed that it is not yet clear when that will happen.

He says Sundowns have plenty of players who can contribute this season, which means Saleng will need to work hard to earn a place in the team.

“I am sure his time will come. When, I don’t know,” Cardoso said. “This season we have more players to choose from than in previous years.”

He also mentioned other players, including Tsiki Ntsabeleng, saying all of them are in the fight for a place and must fight for their opportunities.

“Everybody must fight for a place. Saleng will come back, I am sure of that. He is a player we trust,” Cardoso explained. “When I talk about trust, I mean we are trying to build a good relationship between us so that I trust him and he trusts me, so we trust each other.”

Cardoso was seen embracing Saleng after winning the MTN8 last weekend. He says it was a way of showing he still supports the player as he fights to return to football with the team.

“I fully support Saleng. I think Sundowns is a club that has handled this matter well. Perhaps at other clubs he would not have been given this opportunity, but we want what is good for everyone,” Cardoso concluded.

For now, Monnapule Saleng still has to fight his way back onto the pitch, and Cardoso’s words suggest the door will be open for him.

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