Former Pirates star, who has battled for game time, given a chance as Downs beat Gallants in cup clash

Forgotten Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Monnapule Saleng made his long-awaited return to action in Tuesday night’s 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup win over Marumo Gallants and coach Miguel Cardoso says he will get his opportunities.

Saleng, who was introduced in the closing stages to replace Antonio van Wyk at Loftus, missed the end of last season and the start of this one as he dealt with personal issues.

He has been reintegrated into the team but faces competition to get regular game time because Cardoso has players such as Van Wyk, Tashreeq Matthews, Arthur Sales and Siyanda Ndlovu who can play on either wing.

Speaking after Ndlovu’s first-half goal that booked the Brazilians a place in the quarterfinal stage of the tournament, Cardoso said Saleng has to show consistency to earn a place.

“We, out of a process, don’t allow ourselves to exclude a human being,” Cardoso said.

“I have always told you and that’s the values I found inside this club. Those are the values that I share with myself, and I multiply them with the players.

“Obviously we need to understand how to relate with everything that happened, but we can’t exclude anyone.

“That’s the opportunity we gave Saleng. To show consistency, train systematically at a good level and be aware that some of the things that are important needed to change.”

Cardoso said Saleng would be given more opportunities as the season gains momentum over the next few months, as Downs look to wrest the Premiership title back from Orlando Pirates.

After exiting the Caf Champions League last week, Sundowns are left competing on five remaining fronts with the league, Caf Super Cup, Fifa Challenger Cup, Carling Knockout Cup and Nedbank Cup still up for grabs.

The punishing schedule will open up opportunities for players battling for game time.

“He [Saleng] made an effort in this match and he will have chances and he will be continuously evaluated like any other player, according to his performances,” Cardoso said.

“Obviously if he becomes consistent, he will have more opportunities, but if he has fluctuations, he will have less chances.

“I think tonight we really also wanted to show him we trust him by giving him the energy to enter in the match in a moment where it would be easier to put another player and close the game.

“I still had the will to say, ‘Go in there’, and this is proof of the trust we have in him and a little bit of energy for him also to feel we are here for him when he will need it.”