Cardoso Pledges Sundowns Backing for Saleng Following Viral MTN8 Clip

October 14, 2026 sportnow Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso asserts that the club will always stand by Monnapule Saleng during his challenging times, addressing the social media uproar surrounding footage of the winger during the MTN8 final celebrations on Saturday. The amusing aspect of these posts wishing for positivity is that they showcase Saleng lost in thought, yet neglect to post the moments where he is smiling and celebrating — it’s clear there’s no real positivity being wished, just agendas at play.… https://t.co/Dup7s3Ah9k pic.twitter.com/QY77QoEDqF

— 2026 MTN8 Winner💛💚 (@msfc_katalia) October 12, 2026

A viral clip depicted Saleng sitting still in the VIP section of Moses Mabhida Stadium while his former team, Orlando Pirates, lost 2-0 to Sundowns on Saturday.

This footage sparked a wave of encouragement and support from the South African football community. Saleng had previously made significant contributions at this venue for Pirates, netting key goals in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 MTN8 finals.

The 28-year-old winger, who transferred to Masandawana from Pirates during the January 2025 transfer window, was absent from the team’s pre-season camp in Austria due to personal issues.

In August, Cardoso emphasized that Saleng’s circumstances were a matter for the club as a whole, rather than just the coach’s discretion.

The Portuguese manager later shared that the club has opted to give the winger another opportunity. However, with Saleng not yet making an appearance this season, Cardoso acknowledged that he could not specify when the former 2022/23 PSL Players’ Player of the Season would rejoin the action.

“As I previously mentioned regarding Saleng, the club, including the sporting director, players, captains, and chairman, agreed to support Saleng and encourage a positive path forward,” Cardoso stated following Sundowns’ 4-1 victory over Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

“During that time, Saleng trained individually, adhering to our team values.”

“Since his return to the club, he has continued this consistency. We are pleased with his dedication in training. Of course, his opportunity to play will arise at some stage, I am confident.”

Cardoso recognized that the fierce competition for spots in Sundowns’ attacking lineup necessitates patience from the former international.

“When that opportunity will come, I cannot predict. As I mentioned, this season we have more attacking options than we’ve had in prior years.”

“You see, Arthur Sales is not present. Lebo Mothiba was here but remained on the bench.”

“We have Saleng and Katlego Ntsabeleng, among others, who were also missing on Tuesday. They must compete for their place to play. However, I am confident he will get a chance as he is a player we trust.”

“When I say trust, I mean we are working to foster a positive relationship so that I can assist him and he can have faith in me.”

“I believe that moment will come, and he will be able to shine.”

Saleng was also absent from the squad during Sundowns’ CAF Champions League triumph after defeating FAR Rabat in Morocco last season, reportedly due to personal reasons.

His most recent appearance for the club occurred in the first leg of the semi-final, during which Sundowns achieved a 1-0 victory at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Cardoso emphasized that his public display of backing for Saleng during the recent MTN8 celebrations signifies the club’s commitment to supporting the player.

“You witnessed me supporting him and encouraging him to lift the MTN8 trophy because I back him,” remarked Cardoso, who has now led Sundowns in 102 matches, with only 13 losses.

“We are unique as a club in this regard. At other clubs, this process may not have occurred. Yet at Mamelodi Sundowns, we strive for the best from everyone, and we push ourselves to our limits to provide our players with the support they need.”

Saleng has participated in eight matches across all competitions for Sundowns, contributing one assist.