Ngwenya wants ‘true soldier’ Shalulile to stay at Mamelodi Sundowns

Photo Credit - Mamelodi Sundowns Media.

Retired Sundowns striker Manqoba 'Shakes' Ngwenya has called on Namibia forward Peter Shalulile to stay at Mamelodi Sundowns ahead of the new 2025/26 campaign.

There have been reports that Shalulile is set to leave the Brazilians after becoming a free agent, stating that he is unlikely to stay with the Betway Premiership champions. He joined the Pretoria-based club from Highlands Park in 2020.

“Shalulile has been a true soldier for Sundowns. He has excelled since he joined from Highlands Park [in September 2020]. He’s a natural hard worker, so for me, he's still an asset for the team. Sundowns are always involved in at least five competitions every season, so I believe Shalulile will get his chance in the new season,'' Ngwenya told Sowetan.

Ngwenya further questioned coach Miguel Cardoso’s decision to overlook Shalulile during the FIFA Club World Cup, adding that the player would have scored many goals had he started for the side.

“To be honest, I was shocked to see the coach not using Shalulile that much at the Club World Cup [where he only played 13 minutes in the last game against Fluminense]. For me, Shalulile is a potent finisher, and if you look at the chances Matthews missed, I am sure Shalulile would have tucked them away,” said Ngwenya.

Should he decide to stay at Sundowns, Shalulile, who has scored 128 goals for the club, will be looking to break Siyabonga 'Bhele' Nomvethe's record of 129 goals – the all-time top scorer record in the PSL.