Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has given an update on the fitness of winger Monnapule Saleng.

The 27-year-old joined the Brazilians from Orlando Pirates during the January transfer window.

Saleng spent the first half of the campaign on loan at Orbit College FC, where he scored two goals and grabbed three assists in 13 appearances.

However, Saleng arrived at Sundowns while he was still struggling with his fitness and Cardoso has since revealed that he has made great strides in his road to recovery.

“Saleng has recovered very positively, if you remembered when I spoke about Saleng I told you in a negative approach that we may have Saleng out for two months because I also wanted to take out some pressure from his recovery and from himself,” Cardoso.

“I believe that it will probably not be necessary all the time for him to be training normally. Then we need to understand from him if he’s already feeling himself physically and fitness wise, capable of helping the team.

“Make him understand of course a few details from what we want from him and then understand when the moment comes to allow him to be capable of performing.

“Obviously his situation is different from the one that came from Ndamane [Khulumani], Ndamane came from the AFCON in a very good position for a young player to be part of an AFCON squad.

“It’s obviously very positive and of course he also worked with several of our players in the AFCON, which is what allowed him to be more comfortable inside our group.

“Brayan [Leon] arrived in a good position because he didn’t stop a lot in a preseason there, so he had played a match and after Christmas even a full match. His fitness was very good so we felt that he could be lined up.”