Mngqithi Fires a Shot at Sundowns While Praising Shalulile’s Milestone

In a powerful statement that appeared to be an indirect jab at Mamelodi Sundowns, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi praised Peter Shalulile for his historic milestone achieved over the weekend.

Shalulile, a Namibian striker, netted a penalty to secure a 1-0 victory for his side over Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership match at Athlone Stadium on Saturday. 

With this goal, he became the PSL's all-time top goal-scorer with 130 goals, surpassing the long-held record of 129 goals by former Kaizer Chiefs striker Siyabonga Nomvethe.

Having previously coached Shalulile at Sundowns, Mngqithi spoke highly of the 31-year-old forward. He specifically lauded his professionalism and ability to endure difficult challenges. 

Mngqithi noted that these challenges included being benched at Sundowns, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup and CAF Champions League, as well as facing fierce local competition from players like Iqraam Rayners and Lebo Mothiba.

MNGQITHI HEAPS PRAISE ON SHALULILE’S PROFESSIONALISM

“I was so happy for him, I was watching that game and saw what happened,” said Mngqithi following Golden Arrows’ 1-0 defeat at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. 

“I’m very happy for Peter because he’s deserving of anything that comes his way. And in fact I’m going to call him this evening [Saturday] because I truly believe  he’s one boy that has gone through everything.

“He’s one boy that hardly played in the World Cup, but he still fights for what he believes in.

“And he’s the best professional I’ve ever worked with. I’ve never had issues with Peter, he’s always focused.

“For him to become the highest scorer in our league, it’s one of those that maybe karma is saying this is the one, because lifestyle, level of professionalism, when does he come to training and what does he do everyday, he is the epitome of what professionalism is about.”