Saleng has not played for Sundowns this season after being separated from the squad following disciplinary concerns. The winger was also absent from the team's pre-season trip to Austria after failing to report for duty.

Cardoso revealed that the technical team made several attempts to help the former Orlando Pirates star adapt to Sundowns' environment, but repeated incidents eventually raised questions about his reliability.

"I don't want to speak about that because Saleng is a club issue and not a coaching issue, it was never a coach issue. He was always a player we gave a lot of effort," Cardoso said.

The coach explained that Sundowns have established standards that every player is expected to follow, particularly when it comes to professionalism and conduct within the squad.

Cardoso claimed there were instances when Saleng's actions left the technical team uncertain about whether he would be available for matches, despite being included in their plans.

"Imagine you train all of the week normally and then you put his name on a list, and the day we're waiting for him to get into the bus, he doesn't appear," he said.

According to Cardoso, such incidents happened more than once, making it increasingly difficult for the coaching staff to rely on the player.

The Portuguese mentor also stressed that Sundowns initially responded with support rather than punishment, attempting to make Saleng feel valued and accepted within the squad.

However, Cardoso believes integration requires commitment from both the club and the player.

He has now drawn a line under the matter, insisting that any further developments regarding Saleng will be handled internally by Sundowns.

"This is the last time I'm going to speak about it because it is a club and no more a question for the coach," Cardoso said.

Sundowns face Golden Arrows in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

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