Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has opened up on newly signed winger Monnapule Saleng.
Saleng joined the Brazilians earlier this year in a rather surprise move from rivals Orlando Pirates.
Not many would’ve seen the move coming. Especially since the two teams are engaged in a fierce title challenge.
Nevertheless, Saleng made the bold move to Chloorkop, and Sundowns are now reaping the benefits of the incredibly talented winger.
Sundowns coach left in awe with former Pirates star
Monnapule Saleng has already left an indelible impression on his new coach.
After struggling with injury when he just joined the club in January, Saleng is now fit and firing for Sundowns.
And it comes at a crucial time. With Masandawana challenging for the both the league and CAF Champions League, Saleng may prove to be the club’s trump card.
“He can play left and right, and obviously different things come from left and right. We didn’t have a lot of training sessions with Saleng in terms of building him in the direction of the team,” coach Miguel Cardoso said as quoted by IDiski Times.
The Sundowns coach further confirmed he’s using a different approach with Saleng. Less coaching and more freedom that is.
“This week, for example, I put him on the pocket on the right, and I got also excited. I said wow, we have a guy who can also play in this spaces, because he loves the game. He’s so aggressive, he loves a lot playing football.”
Masandawana move ahead of Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory over Marumo Gallants last night saw them move to the summit of the table.
The Brazilians are now two points clear of rivals Orlando Pirates. There’s still nine games however still to go in the league.
With Saleng hitting form at the right time, he may very well prove to be the difference between the two teams.
Sundowns’ attack was indeed missing that x-factor so far this season. Now, they’re looking the complete puzzle.