Monnapule Saleng’s Mamelodi Sundowns Struggles Raise Deeper Concerns About His Well-Being

Monnapule Saleng’s difficult spell at Mamelodi Sundowns has taken another concerning turn, with his agent Karabo Mathang Tshabuse suggesting that the problems surrounding the winger extend beyond allegations of misconduct. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso recently confirmed that Saleng had been training separately from the rest of the squad after what the coach described as consecutive violations of the club’s rules. However, Mathang Tshabuse has urged people not to view the situation simply as a disciplinary matter. Speaking on Sports Night Amplified with Andile on Metro FM, she revealed that she had raised concerns about Saleng’s psychological well-being and had attempted to connect him with professional support. Her comments have provided a different perspective on a situation that has become increasingly difficult for the talented South African footballer.

Mathang Tshabuse was careful to stress that she is not medically qualified to diagnose Saleng or determine the exact nature of what he may be experiencing. Her concerns are based on observations made during her time working with the player and interactions with him and his family. She said she could see that there was an issue and could observe how it was manifesting, but believed the situation was greater than what might simply be described as misbehaviour. That distinction is important because disciplinary problems can sometimes have circumstances behind them that are not immediately visible to the public. The agent’s comments therefore suggest that there may be broader welfare considerations that need to be addressed alongside any football-related consequences.

According to Mathang Tshabuse, Saleng’s struggles did not begin when he joined Mamelodi Sundowns. She said similar difficulties had previously been evident during his time at Orlando Pirates and later during his loan spell at Orbit College. The move to Orbit was reportedly intended to give the winger a different environment and allow him to work with coach Pogiso Makhoye, who had played a significant role in his development. This suggests that concerns about Saleng’s well-being have been present across different stages of his career rather than being limited to his current situation at Sundowns. The agent’s account also indicates that changes in football environments have been considered as part of attempts to help the player manage his difficulties.

The decision to send Saleng on loan to Orbit College was therefore presented as something that went beyond his football development. Mathang Tshabuse explained that the move was intended to provide a different setting while placing the player under the guidance of someone who understood his development. She described Saleng as travelling a difficult path and said she had observed an issue without claiming to know exactly what it was. The agent also referred to what she believed could be a fight-or-flight response during periods of distress. These comments remain observations rather than a medical diagnosis, but they highlight why she believes the situation requires a deeper response than punishment alone.

Mathang Tshabuse also revealed that she had tried to secure professional assistance for Saleng. She said she had contacted mental health professionals and attempted to facilitate support while recognising that the decision to accept help ultimately belongs to the individual. This is an important aspect of her account because it shows that she has not viewed the situation solely through the lens of football performance or discipline. She explained that she could call for help, advocate for her client and walk alongside him through the process, but could not force him to accept assistance. Her comments underline the difficulty that can arise when someone may need support but is not ready or willing to engage with it.

The agent further said that concerns had been raised with different clubs connected to Saleng’s career. She described the issue as one involving psychological safety and welfare, indicating that the concerns had been communicated beyond his current situation at Sundowns. This does not establish a medical diagnosis or explain the precise circumstances behind Saleng’s actions, but it does provide additional context to the public discussion surrounding the player. Football clubs operate within demanding environments where discipline and professional standards remain important, but players also face personal pressures that may require appropriate support. Balancing those responsibilities can become especially challenging when a player’s behaviour begins affecting his relationship with the team.

There has also been speculation surrounding alcohol use, but Mathang Tshabuse said she was not personally aware of alcohol abuse involving Saleng. She acknowledged that she had heard such claims from people around the player but did not present them as established facts. Her comments instead returned to what she believes is a deeper issue that needs attention. She suggested that if certain behaviours were taking place, they could potentially be symptoms rather than the root cause of the difficulties. This distinction is important because speculation about a player’s personal life can quickly spread without providing a reliable explanation for what is actually happening.

The agent’s efforts have also involved Saleng’s family. Mathang Tshabuse revealed that she had travelled to Bloemfontein on more than one occasion to meet with the player and his parents. She said those conversations were part of her attempts to understand what was happening while respecting the confidentiality surrounding her client. According to her account, those meetings strengthened her observation that there was a psychological safety concern. Her involvement with the family also demonstrates that the situation has extended beyond the football pitch and has required attention from people close to the player.

Saleng’s current situation at Sundowns is particularly significant because of the expectations that surrounded his move from Orlando Pirates. He joined the Brazilians in January 2025 after establishing himself as one of the country’s most exciting attacking players. His performances had previously generated considerable excitement, particularly because of his pace, creativity and ability to influence matches from wide positions. Since arriving at Chloorkop, however, he has struggled to secure regular playing time. Based on the information provided, he has made only eight appearances for Sundowns and was not included in the squad when the club won the CAF Champions League.

The limited involvement at Sundowns has added another layer to what has already been a difficult period for the winger. Moving from a club where he had established a strong reputation to a team with intense competition for places can create significant professional pressure. Sundowns possess considerable depth and compete across multiple competitions, meaning players must consistently meet demanding standards to secure opportunities. Saleng’s lack of regular involvement has meant that his time at the club has not developed as many expected when he arrived. The current disciplinary situation now creates further uncertainty about how and when he might return to the first-team environment.

Cardoso’s confirmation that Saleng has been training in isolation followed what the coach described as consecutive violations of club rules. The club’s position and its internal disciplinary processes remain separate from the concerns raised by the player’s agent. Sundowns have a responsibility to maintain professional standards within their squad, while Saleng’s representatives and support network have a responsibility to consider his welfare. Both issues can exist at the same time and should not necessarily be treated as mutually exclusive. The available information does not establish exactly what caused the incidents, making it important to avoid drawing conclusions that have not been confirmed by the player, his representatives or the club.

For Saleng, the priority now appears to be finding the right support while also determining his future within the Sundowns setup. His talent has never been the central question, given the performances that helped establish his reputation before the move to Chloorkop. The challenge has been creating the conditions in which he can consistently perform, remain engaged with his football and manage the pressures surrounding his career. Mathang Tshabuse’s comments suggest that she believes professional support could play an important role in that process. Any meaningful progress will likely require cooperation between the player, his family, representatives, medical professionals and football structures, while respecting Saleng’s privacy.

Monnapule Saleng’s situation at Mamelodi Sundowns has become more complex following the revelations from his agent about concerns surrounding his psychological well-being. While the club has addressed the matter from a disciplinary perspective, Mathang Tshabuse believes there is a deeper issue that deserves attention and professional support. Her account does not provide a diagnosis, nor does it establish the cause of Saleng’s reported difficulties, but it does offer important context about the concerns that have followed the player across different stages of his career. For a footballer who was once regarded as one of South Africa’s most promising attacking talents, the immediate focus should be on finding a constructive path forward while respecting his privacy and welfare. How Sundowns, Saleng and those supporting him respond to this difficult period could prove crucial in determining whether the winger can rebuild his career and rediscover the form that made him one of the country’s most exciting players.