news-engine

Saleng’s agent says the Sundowns star is struggling psychologically Monnapule Saleng is facing a difficult period away from the Mamelodi Sundowns first team, with his agent revealing that his struggles go beyond disciplinary issues. The 28-year-old winger has yet to feature for Sundowns this season. Coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that he had been separated from the first team following repeated disciplinary breaches. MONNAPULE SALENG FACING TOUGH PERIOD Saleng’s agent Karabo Mathang-Tshabuse has now provided more context about the player’s situation. She made an appearance on Sports Night Amplified with Andile Ncube. Mathang-Tshabuse stressed that she wanted to protect her client’s confidentiality while explaining the difficulties he has faced since leaving Orlando Pirates. “I think that he’s travelled a season that is quite difficult for him to show up as a professional player,” she said. The agent revealed that Saleng’s struggles were also evident during his loan spell at Orbit College FC. It was where he was sent to regain his confidence under coach Pogiso Makhoye. She insisted that his situation should not simply be labelled as misconduct or bad behaviour. “I can see there’s an issue. I can see how it’s manifesting itself, but it is definitely greater than misbehaviour,” Mathang-Tshabuse explained. “But it is more nuanced than that. It is deeper than that. It’s psychological.” MAMELODI SUNDOWNS GIVING SALENG SPACE Mathang–Tshabuse said she had observed what she described as a psychological safety issue. They had followed Saleng across different stages of his career. She said the problem first manifested at Pirates before continuing at Orbit. It continued despite Saleng initially making a positive start at Sundowns. “It’s psychological. There’s a psychological safety issue that I have observed,” she said. The agent also stressed that she was not qualified to diagnose the player but had tried to help him access appropriate support. She said the challenge with mental wellbeing is that help cannot simply be forced on someone who is struggling. Mathang-Tshabuse also addressed questions about a possible alcohol problem, saying she was not aware of one but had heard concerns from people around Saleng. The agent believes Sundowns have recognised that there is a deeper issue and have given the winger space to recover. For now, Saleng’s return to the pitch remains uncertain as he works through what his representative describes as a difficult psychological period. WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SALENG? Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.