Chiefs Star Finally Reveals Why He Chose Amakhosi After Sundowns Shock Exit

Monnapule Saleng has emerged as a reported transfer target for Kaizer Chiefs, with claims that the Mamelodi Sundowns winger could make a return to Soweto following a difficult period at Chloorkop.

According to Sports With Daily News, Saleng has reportedly agreed to a three-year pre-contract with Chiefs and could join the club as a free agent. However, there has been no official confirmation from Kaizer Chiefs or Saleng regarding the reported agreement, meaning the claim remains unconfirmed.

The speculation comes amid a challenging spell for the 28-year-old, who joined Sundowns in January 2026 after spending part of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Orbit College. Sundowns officially list Saleng as part of their squad, while available player records show that his opportunities have been limited.

Saleng’s situation became particularly difficult during the 2026/27 season. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso said in August that the winger was training away from the senior team after what the coach described as repeated breaches of the club’s rules and values. Saleng had not featured for the team at that stage.

His limited involvement contrasts with the reputation he built during his time at Orlando Pirates. Saleng established himself as an exciting attacking player and also earned recognition at international level with Bafana Bafana.

His record at Pirates included a particularly productive 2022/23 season, when he scored 11 league goals in 22 appearances, according to available player statistics.

The reported Chiefs interest would add another chapter to Saleng’s Soweto career. Before becoming associated with Pirates, the winger had publicly spoken about growing up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter, making a potential move to Amakhosi particularly notable.

Chiefs are currently rebuilding under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, and the reported arrival of Saleng would give the club another attacking option if the transfer ultimately materialises.

A September 28 report also attributed comments to Saleng explaining his reported desire to leave Sundowns. However, those comments have not been independently verified through a primary interview with the player and should therefore be treated as reported claims rather than confirmed statements.

For now, the most significant outstanding issue is whether the alleged pre-contract actually exists. With neither Chiefs nor Saleng publicly confirming the reported three-year agreement, supporters will have to wait for an official announcement before considering the move completed.

Until then, Saleng remains a Sundowns player, while speculation over a possible switch to their Soweto rivals continues.

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