By The Numbers: What Saleng brings to Sundowns?

In the biggest story of the January transfer window so far, Mamelodi Sundowns have officially confirmed the signing of Monnapule Saleng from Orlando Pirates. The deal, which was finalized on Friday, January 9, 2026, hopefully marks the end of a whirlwind journey for the 27-year-old winger, who will have represented three different PSL clubs this season. After falling down the pecking order at Orlando Pirates, Saleng spent the first half of the 2025/26 campaign on loan at newly-promoted Orbit College. While that seemed like a big fish in a small pond, his move to Sundowns puts him among a sea of superstars, aiming for national and continental prizes.

We look at his journey this season, and what he will bring to Sundowns.

Revival at Orbit College

Saleng used his time with Orbit College to remind the league of his quality. Playing in a side fighting for survival, his individual numbers remained respectable despite the team’s struggles. It also shows clever scouting from Sundowns, picking up a good player from a struggling team. He also presents a particular profile which Sundowns keep a lookout for: a player with experience and he fits into the prime age category (25 – 30 years of age).

• Appearances: 11 (Betway Premiership) + 1 (Carling Knockout)
• Minutes Played: 896
• Shots: 2nd highest contributor at Orbit College (16 shots)
• Goals: 2
• Assists: 3
• Goal Involvements: Lead contributor at the club.
• Discipline: 0 Yellow cards / 0 Red cards.

Tactical Shift: From Orbit to Chloorkop

Clever clubs always snap up good players at weaker clubs, and Sundowns have shown their magic again. The move represents a massive tactical pivot for Saleng as well as for Sundowns. When we compare the two systems, the challenges are highlighted below.

Tactical Shift / Feature	Orbit College	Mamelodi Sundowns
Defensive shape	Low Block	High Press
Transition	Cross-heavy / Direct	Counter-attack in defensive transition
Attacking Build-up	Long Ball / Crossing	Sustained Possession / Ball Retention
Chance Creation	Direct and Vertical	Controlled and Methodical

While Orbit followed Sundowns’ lead in trying to maintain ball retention during attacking phases, they lack the ‘carrying’ ability that Sundowns prides itself on. Saleng must now transition from a cross-heavy, direct tactic to a side that demands high-speed ball carrying. It may differ again, depending on how Sundowns coaches use him.

What Saleng Brings to the ‘Brazilians’

Saleng offers a unique profile that Sundowns’ current strike force, anchored by Iqraam Rayners and Peter Shalulile is missing.

• Playmaking from the Wing: Unlike the pure finishing of Shalulile, Saleng is a dynamic facilitator who can stretch defenses and retain possession under intense pressure.
  
  
• Run Quality: His off-the-ball movement is elite, providing Sundowns with a tool to unlock stubborn low blocks.
  
  
• The Challenge: His ‘poaching’ and finishing stats currently sit below the league average. At Sundowns, where chances are more frequent, but expectations are higher, he will need to sharpen his clinical edge.

As Saleng matures, the demand for high-intensity pressing at Sundowns will be his biggest test. However, if he adapts quickly to the ‘Yellow Nation’ style, he could be the creative spark that secures another trophy for the Tshwane giants and a call from Hugo Broos himself. Since the departure of Lucas Ribeiro, Sundowns have lacked a ‘magician’ that can score goals and win games out of nothing. Saleng could be that answer.

Key Match Moments this season

• 17 October 2025: He scored the decisive goal in a 2 – 1 win over Richards Bay.
• 1 November 2025: He had a standout performance against Magesi FC, recording both a goal and an assist in a 3 – 1 victory.
• 26 November 26 2025: He provided the opening assist in a late 2 – 1 loss against Stellenbosch FC.