Why Monnapule Saleng’s Move to Mamelodi Sundowns Is Not a Guarantee for Bafana Bafana’s Return

• Monnapule Saleng has been give reason he might not make the Bafana Bafana squad despite joining Mamelodi Sundowns
• The South African international has been out of the squad for some years now, but has a chance to return ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• A football expert, while chatting with Briefly News, has also shared his opinion on the player returning to the South African men's national team fold

Monnapule Saleng has completed a surprise move to Mamelodi Sundowns from Premier Soccer League giants Orlando Pirates in the January transfer window.

The 27-year-old's move to the Brazilians came as a surprise to PSL fans, especially both clubs' supporters, but it kept them on their toes with everyone's mind being on the player hitting his former peak.

Saleng's issue with Pirates

Saleng was one of the star players for Orlando Pirates in the 2023-2024 season, and after starting the next campaign well, he had issues with the club management, which led to him being ousted from the squad.

Read also

Experts reveal what Monnapule Saleng can add to Mamelodi Sundowns’ squad

The major cause of the issue between the player and the Sea Robbers are yet to unfold fully, with many guessing it's a contract dispute.

He managed to secure a loan move to newly promoted side Orbit College in the summer, but the issues still lingered before another team came to his rescue.

Saleng's return to Bafana is not guaranteed

Football analyst Themba Modise shared his thoughts on Saleng returning to the Bafana Bafana squad after joining Mamelodi Sundowns during an exclusive chat with Briefly News.

"It will take time of course he needs to work his way back to playing regularly with the same form that shot him to stardom at Pirates, he also needs to be in a good space mentally and probably then Broos might just consider bringing him back into the mix but it's not going to be easy, we can use the Thembinkosi Lorch situation as reference," he said.

Read also

SA coach raises concerns about Broos ahead of Bafana Bafana’s 2026 World Cup campaign

"Lorch had a great time with Sundowns before joining Rulani Mokwena at Wydad Athletic Club on loan, and permanently a season after and despite being back to top form, he didn't return to the South African national team set-up.

"Hugo Broos was called to bring him back, but the Belgian tactician opted against such a decision, so Saleng will need to work hard by getting enough playing time with good delivery, then that could make a case for him."

Modise also talk on the South Africa's performance at the Africa Cup of Nations and Tashreeq Matthews not being looked at as an option for the Bafana Bafana squad.

"It was so sad that I expected Bafana Bafana to top last edition's performance in Ivory Coast in Morocco, but it is what it is, we are back home," he added.

"The defeat against Cameroon could have been avoided if he had gotten our most preferred line up, but changes in team brought about the loss."

Modise tagged it as an unfortunate situation for SA for not giving a player like Matthews a chance to prove jimsle

"I think it is so unfortunate that South Africa has a player like Tashreeq Matthews, but he's not being considered for the national team by the current Bafana Bafana head coach."

Read also

PSL club boss reveals Kaizer Chiefs’ interest in South African forward

Saleng's Orlando Pirates struggles

Briefly News previously reported that Saleng is battling with depression, worsened by his dissatisfaction with the club.

The Bafana Bafana star reportedly feels underpaid, believing that his contributions on the field are not adequately reflected in his salary.

Source: Briefly News