Cardoso Silences Doubts, Praises Record-Breaker Shalulile

Peter Shalulile is officially the greatest goal scorer in the Premier Soccer League, and his coach, Miguel Cardoso, is making it clear that he isn't going anywhere. 

After scoring his 130th goal—surpassing Siyabonga Nomvethe’s record—in a 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC, Shalulile's importance to Mamelodi Sundowns was highlighted by his coach. 

Despite previous rumors of a move, the 31-year-old Namibian striker remains a key part of the club’s plans for the season, according to the Portuguese coach.

‘PETER IS A VERY IMPORTANT PLAYER FOR US’

“Peter doesn't struggle or anything with us – he is a very important player for the club, a very important player for the coach and a very important player for everybody,” said Cardoso.

“We should just remember that we also have other number nines in the team – Lebo Mothiba, who is an international player coming back and a very good player that was playing at the best teams in France, as you know.

“[Mothiba is] not quite on the level to play in the first XI or start the match, but also coming, and Iqraam Rayners, who was not the top scorer last year but was second by, I think, one goal – behind Lucas Ribeiro, and he didn't take most of the penalties.”

The Portuguese coach explained that Shalulile's limited playing time in recent matches is due to the squad's depth and his strategy of rotating players.

“The competition is very tough; it's not a problem of Peter, but that we need to manage the players, and Peter played [against] Magesi – goal; he played today, goal,” added Cardoso.

“So, if he plays, it's because I trust [him], there's not one single player that lines up on Mamelodi Sundowns that we don't trust, but also there's not a single player in the squad that we don't trust, otherwise he would not be here.

“And it's important that people understand that the team is supporting Peter, and supporting Peter [means to] support the team.”