Following his high-profile move from Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns
have acquired winger Monnapule Saleng. PSLSA highlights five key attributes
the 27-year-old brings to the reigning champions.
1. Proven Big-Match Temperament
Saleng has already shown he can be a decisive force against the very best.
Sundowns fans will remember him as a persistent thorn in their side, most
notably when he scored a brace and provided an assist in Pirates’ 3-0 MTN8
semi-final victory in October 2022. His ability to rise to the occasion was
further cemented by another brace in a thrilling 3-2 Soweto Derby win over
Kaizer Chiefs in March 2024.
2. A Point to Prove for Bafana Bafana
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Saleng has a clear pathway back
into the national team setup. His last Bafana Bafana appearance was in
September 2023, and Hugo Broos’ recent acknowledgment of a need for more
experience after AFCON could open the door. Performing consistently at
Sundowns would make him a strong contender for recall.
3. A Unique Tactical Profile
Saleng offers a distinct and currently rare skill set within the Sundowns
squad: he is a natural left-footed attacker who excels at cutting inside
from the right flank. This profile directly addresses a creative gap left by
the influential Lucas Ribeiro Costa. His style adds a new dimension and an
“x-factor” to the Brazilians’ attack, offering tactical versatility.
4. Enhanced Set-Piece Threat
Already boasting the dead-ball expertise of Teboho Mokoena, Sundowns’
set-play arsenal becomes even more formidable with Saleng. His proficiency
from free-kicks, particularly with his left foot, provides variety and makes
the team’s approach more unpredictable and dangerous from different angles.
5. Champions League Hunger & Mentality
Sundowns have long sought a player with the clutch mentality to win decisive
CAF Champions League matches. Saleng arrives with a point to prove in the
competition. After watching Pirates’ 2024/25 semi-final run from afar due to
his differences with the club, he carries a burning hunger to succeed on the
continental stage—a stage Pirates struggled to reach in prior seasons.
