Miguel Cardoso Confirms Fitness Update on New Sundowns Star Monnapule Saleng
Miguel Cardoso Confirms Fitness Update on New Sundowns Star Monnapule Saleng
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has given a major update on the fitness of the club’s exciting new signing, Monnapule Saleng. This update has brought a lot of interest and discussion among Sundowns supporters, football analysts, and fans across South Africa.
Saleng is one of the most talked-about players in local football. His move to Mamelodi Sundowns came with big expectations, and many fans were eager to see him wearing the famous yellow shirt on the field. However, concerns about his fitness delayed his debut and raised questions about when he would be ready to play.
Speaking to the media, coach Miguel Cardoso finally addressed these concerns and gave clarity on Saleng’s condition, his recovery process, and what fans can expect in the coming weeks.
Who Is Monnapule Saleng?
Monnapule Saleng is widely known as one of the most talented attacking players in South African football. He is admired for his pace, creativity, dribbling skills, and ability to score important goals. Before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Saleng had already built a strong reputation as a match-winner who can change games on his own.
His move to Sundowns was seen as a major statement by the club. Sundowns are already known for their deep squad and high-quality players, so adding Saleng was expected to make them even stronger in domestic and continental competitions.
However, shortly after his arrival, it became clear that Saleng was not fully fit, which led to his absence from matchday squads.
Why Saleng’s Fitness Became a Big Topic
When a big-name player joins a club like Mamelodi Sundowns, fans expect immediate impact. Supporters want to see goals, assists, and exciting performances as soon as possible. That is why Saleng’s delay caused concern.
There were many questions:
- Is Saleng injured?
- How serious is the fitness issue?
- When will he be ready to play?
- Will this affect his long-term future at Sundowns?
With limited information available at first, rumors started spreading. Some reports suggested he was carrying a minor injury, while others claimed he was just not match-fit. This made Miguel Cardoso’s update very important.
Miguel Cardoso Breaks the Silence
Miguel Cardoso, who is known for his calm and honest approach, finally spoke openly about Saleng’s situation. According to the Sundowns coach, there is no serious injury to worry about.
Cardoso explained that Saleng arrived at the club needing time to reach the required fitness levels demanded by Sundowns’ playing style. The coach made it clear that the club is not rushing the player because they want him to be fully ready, both physically and mentally.
In simple terms, Saleng is healthy but still working on getting match-fit.
What Cardoso Said About Saleng’s Recovery
Cardoso stated that Saleng has been training well and showing positive signs every day. The coaching and medical teams are closely monitoring his progress to make sure he does not suffer any setbacks.
The coach emphasized that Mamelodi Sundowns play at a very high intensity. Players are required to press, run, and stay sharp for the entire match. For a player returning to full fitness, this level can be demanding.
Because of this, the club has chosen a careful approach instead of rushing Saleng back too early.
Why Sundowns Are Taking a Careful Approach
Mamelodi Sundowns have a long and busy season. They compete in:
- The DStv Premiership
- Domestic cup competitions
- CAF Champions League matches
With so many games, player fitness is extremely important. Cardoso explained that it makes no sense to risk Saleng’s health by playing him before he is fully ready.
The club believes that a fully fit Saleng will offer much more value over the season than a rushed return that could lead to injury.
What This Means for Sundowns Fans
For Sundowns supporters, this update should be seen as good news. There is no long-term injury, and Saleng is progressing well in training.
Although fans may still need to wait a little longer to see him in action, the update confirms that:
- Saleng is not sidelined by a serious injury
- He is working hard to reach full fitness
- His debut is expected once the technical team is satisfied
This should give fans confidence that the club has a clear plan.
How Saleng Fits Into Cardoso’s System
Miguel Cardoso prefers a structured and disciplined style of play. His teams focus on:
- High pressing
- Quick passing
- Smart movement off the ball
- Tactical discipline
Saleng’s attacking qualities fit well into this system, but the coach wants him to fully understand the team’s tactics and tempo before throwing him into competitive matches.
Cardoso hinted that once Saleng reaches the right fitness level, he will become an important part of the squad rotation.
Competition for Places at Sundowns
One of the challenges Saleng faces is competition. Mamelodi Sundowns have one of the strongest squads in Africa. Every position is highly competitive.
This means Saleng not only has to be fit but also has to prove himself in training. Cardoso made it clear that no player is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.
This competition is healthy for the team and pushes every player to perform at their best.
Possible Return Date for Saleng
While Cardoso did not give an exact date for Saleng’s return, he suggested that the player is getting closer to full match fitness.
Fans can expect Saleng to:
- First appear on the bench
- Gradually get minutes as a substitute
- Eventually compete for a starting position
This gradual approach reduces risk and allows Saleng to adapt smoothly.
Saleng’s Mental Readiness
Apart from physical fitness, Cardoso also spoke about mental readiness. Joining a club like Sundowns comes with pressure. Expectations are high, and every performance is closely watched.
The coach believes Saleng needs time to settle into the environment, understand his teammates, and gain confidence. This mental adjustment is just as important as physical conditioning.
What Saleng Brings to Sundowns
Once fully fit, Saleng is expected to bring:
- Creativity in attack
- Speed on the wings
- Goal-scoring ability
- One-on-one skill against defenders
These qualities can help Sundowns unlock tight defenses, especially in difficult matches where creativity is needed.
Reaction From Fans and Analysts
The update from Cardoso has received mixed but mostly positive reactions. Some fans are still impatient, while others appreciate the club’s careful handling of the situation.
Football analysts have praised Sundowns for not rushing their new signing and focusing on long-term success rather than short-term pressure.
Final Thoughts
Miguel Cardoso’s update on Monnapule Saleng’s fitness has brought much-needed clarity. There is no major injury concern, and the player is steadily working towards full match readiness.
While fans may need a bit more patience, all signs suggest that Saleng will soon be ready to make his mark at Mamelodi Sundowns. When he does return, he is expected to add even more quality to an already strong squad.
For now, Sundowns supporters can remain optimistic and look forward to seeing Saleng shine once he is fully prepared.