Miguel Cardoso explains Saleng decision in Gallants cup win

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Cardoso speaks on Saleng return against Gallants

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Miguel Cardoso explains Saleng decision in Gallants cup win

Photo: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Images

27.10.26 FT League Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

Marumo Gallants

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has explained the rationale behind handing Monnapule Saleng his first appearance of the season in the Carling Knockout Cup against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday night.

The 28-year-old winger entered the fray in place of Antonio van Wyk in the 83rd minute, as Siyanda Ndlovu scored the solitary goal that helped the Brazilians advance to the quarter-final of the League Cup.

Saleng recently returned to first-team training after he was exiled due to a disciplinary breach, including not showing up for the return leg of the CAF Champions League final last season.

He subsequently missed the pre-season tour to Austria and a chunk of the ongoing campaign, with Cardoso stating that the player will now be afforded a chance to play provided he shows consistency.

“We don't allow ourselves to exclude a human being out of a process. Obviously, we need to understand how to relate with everything that happens, but we don't exclude no one,” said the Downs mentor.

"And I think that's an opportunity we gave to Saleng, for him to go over on his thoughts, understand about himself, show consistency, train systematically on a good level, be aware of some of the things that were important to change.

"He made his effort and he will have his chances according to the performance that will be absolutely continuously evaluated like all the other players. If he becomes consistent he will have more chances, if he has more fluctuations he will have less chances.

The Portuguese tactician says he gave Saleng a run in a bid to pledge his full support and show trust in his qualities, noting that he could have easily opted to close shop with a defensive player.

“I think we really also wanted to show him that we trust him and give him the energy to enter in the match. Maybe in a moment it would be even more easy for me to put one more player to close the game,” Cardoso added.

"I still had the will to say go there, it's a proof of trust and a little bit of energy for him also to feel that we are here for him when he will need.

Sundowns, meanwhile, are set to swing back to action with a home fixture against Durban City at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in a Betway Premiership encounter on Saturday, 31 October.

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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.