Mamelodi Sundowns omit Monnapule Saleng from Austria pre-season camp

Foot Africa can confirm that Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Monnapule Saleng is not part of the club's pre-season camp currently being staged in Austria.

The developments raised eyebrows amongst a section of the Masandawana faithful, with the player expected to play an influential role in the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

He signed for Sundowns from rivals Orlando Pirates in a high-profile move that sent shockwaves in the South African football fraternity in January, owing to the title race.

Saleng has made a total of eight appearances for the Tshwane giants across all competitions, including in the CAF Champions League where he featured three times.

Now, with the new season fast approaching, sources have indicated the 28-year-old was omitted from the pre-season camp due to an injury he recently sustained.

The nature and severity of the injury remains undisclosed, with teammate Arthur Sales, among others, also snubbed from the traveling party under the same circumstances.

Saleng is understood to retain the backing and trust of head coach Miguel Cardoso and the club's hierarchy as he's considered an integral part of the project at Chloorkop.

However, he will face added competition for a starting berth following Sundowns' acquisition of Siyanda Ndlovu from Golden Arrows and Antonio van Wyk from SV Ried.

Whether the highly-rated forward will stake his claim in the star-studded team remains to be seen, with the reigning African champions set to compete on all fronts next season.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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