Peter Shalulile, who is struggling at Mamelodi Sundowns this season, has not been able to regain the form that saw him score 23 goals in the Premier Soccer League.
This season, Peter Shalulile, the forward for Mamelodi Sundowns, has been struggling, and his once-bright light has dimmed. Despite having won three Premier Soccer League golden boots, Shalulile is a noted goal machine; nonetheless, it appears improbable that he will retain his title this season.
Shalulile’s lack of confidence stems from his poor performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was a terrible forward for Namibia. This is especially true after he missed a penalty in a recent game.Here, GOAL investigates if “Sha-Sha’s” heyday and his supremacy as the top scorer in the PSL are over, or if there is still hope for the future.Actually, age is more than just a number.Age is always going to be an issue in any contact sport that requires physical exertion, unless you are playing chess. When a football player reaches the other side of thirty, their performance usually slows down as a symptom of deterioration.
This does not exempt Shalulile. The Downs striker was 31 in March, yet not even once has he appeared to be a ghost of the player he once was.
It’s possible that Shalulile’s demise is happening quite quickly.I guess Sundowns supporters have to accept that ‘Sha-Sha’s’ golden-boot winning days are over.A player’s dreaded reality is injuriesMany players have been forced to retire early due to injuries. Jack Wilshere, the former star of Arsenal, had to retire at the age of thirty due to several injuries that reduced his once-bright potential.
Due to injury, former Kaizer Chiefs goalie Brilliant Khuzwayo had to resign from South Africa before playing for the Orlando Pirates.
Some athletes, like Rivaldo Coetzee, can persevere despite sustained injuries, though. For some people, it works well, but not for others.It has meant the end for Shalulile, a player who is not accustomed to being in the hospital, as he has recently sustained several injuries.
With Mokwena’s backing, a huge plus
Having a coach who is there for you throughout your lowest moments is always beneficial, and Rhulani Mokwena has been by Shalulile’s side since the Namibian star’s slump began.
The Sundowns coach has frequently complimented his team for letting Shalulile take penalties in an effort to boost his self-esteem.In a recent game against Stellenbosch FC, Shalilule had the opportunity, but he shot his strike over the crossbar.Nevertheless, following the game, he continued to back Shalulile, demonstrating Mokwena’s maturity and familiarity to the players—who presumably regard him as an older brother—which says something.Afcon fails to appear
Shalulile, the captain of the team, and Deon Hotto of the Orlando Pirates led Namibia’s delegation after they qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.Shalulile had a lot riding on him because here was his chance to shine on the biggest platform outside of Africa.
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Shalulile has proven his abilities in the PSL, where he owns the record for having three golden boots, and the Caf Champions League, where he scored 15 goals in all.
But Shalulile failed to find his form in four Afcon games, drawing blanks. His already faltering form took a serious hit when he failed to show up for such a major tournament, and the effects can still be seen in his play today.
Ever since he won his first gong at Highlands Park, Shalulile has been one of the front-runners for the PSL Golden Boot award; the former Highlands Park star would always raise his hand.
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With 12 league goals in the previous campaign, he shared the MVP award with Khanyisa Mayo of Cape Town City. Shalulile has, meanwhile, been overshadowed by Downs teammate Lucas Ribeiro, who leads the competitive Golden Boot race with 12 goals.
In contrast, Shalulile has participated in 31 games in all competitions and scored 10 goals. With Tshegofatso Mabasa of the Pirates and Iqraam Rayners of the Stellies in excellent form, he is out of the running for Player of the Season in the league and has ruled himself out of the running to score the most goals.
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