Mamelodi Sundowns winger Monnapule Saleng has been spotted training with the first team ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The two sides will meet in Durban on Saturday evening, with Sundowns looking to lift the trophy against Saleng’s former club.
Saleng joined Sundowns from Pirates but has endured a difficult spell since making the move. The winger is yet to feature for the Brazilians this season, raising further questions about his future at the club.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso recently indicated that Saleng’s situation was no longer a coaching matter and had instead been placed in the hands of the club’s management.
The 28-year-old was previously excluded from first-team training after reportedly refusing to travel with Sundowns for last season’s CAF Champions League final.
However, there was a significant development on Wednesday when Saleng was seen training with the Sundowns first team ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Pirates.
His return to training could offer a major clue about his current standing at the club, although it remains unclear whether he will be involved in Saturday’s final.
Saleng’s agent, Karabo Mathang Tshabuse, previously opened up about the difficult situation surrounding her client.
“He is travelling a very difficult path,” she said, while explaining that although she could see there was an issue, she was not in a position to determine exactly what it was.
Saleng could make an appearance for Sundowns in the final
Tshabuse also suggested that Saleng’s reactions during periods of distress could sometimes be difficult to manage and said she had observed similar challenges in different environments.
The agent revealed that she had attempted to secure professional assistance for the player.
“What I can do is I can call for help, I can cry for help, I can walk with my client for that help, but it is up to him to say, let’s take it.”
With Saleng now back in training, attention will turn to whether Cardoso and Sundowns decide to include the former Pirates star in their squad for Saturday’s MTN8 final.