‘The Smiles Appeared Again’ – Cardoso On Shalulile’s Return To Form |

Peter Shalulile celebrating a goal with teammates during the CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Remo Stars

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shed light on Peter Shalulile’s situation earlier this season, revealing that the Namibian striker’s recent resurgence comes after overcoming uncertainty about his future at the club.

As the Brazilians gear up for their much-anticipated showdown with Orlando Pirates, Cardoso spoke candidly about Shalulile’s form and mindset during a press conference on Thursday.

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The Sundowns mentor explained that while the 32-year-old forward is now in a “good moment,” things weren’t always as smooth behind the scenes.

“Regarding Peter or any player in the team, there are moments – and we believe Peter is in a good moment now,” said Cardoso.

“He’s much happier, but that came also from the beginning of the season and the situation that Peter had. There were some issues regarding him staying or not in the club. There were some questions. When the heart became together, the smiles appeared, the performances appeared,” the coach said.   

At the start of the campaign, Shalulile struggled for regular game time amid speculation linking him with a possible exit from Chloorkop.

However, according to Cardoso, the forward’s professionalism and patience have paid off, with his work ethic and positive attitude shining through in recent weeks.

“For some time already, Peter has been training very, very well – being committed with the job,” the coach added.

“He just didn’t play sooner because, as you understand, he was scoring goals almost every match, and we don’t usually line up two strikers at the same time, just in some moments. So, Peter waited with patience and hard work and belief as a good professional as he is, waiting for the moment,” the tactician noted.

Cardoso went on to explain how Shalulile seized his opportunity when teammate Iqraam Rayners was withdrawn from international duty due to a heart-related concern, using the chance to reaffirm his importance to the team.

“When Iqraam got this heart issue on the national team and was released, Peter stood up and showed again – with more regularity – the level of player he is and most of all how he is committed with us, with the work he does together with the coaches, teammates, and the club,” concluded Cardoso.

Shalulile’s resurgence has been evident in recent performances, with the striker rediscovering the form that made him one of the most lethal forwards in South African football. 

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His agent, Jakes Amaning, recently praised his client’s mindset and goal-scoring consistency after his stunning hat-trick for Namibia in international duty, saying Shalulile remains as motivated as ever to deliver both for club and country.

Now, with confidence and rhythm restored, the Sundowns talisman will be one of the key figures as the champions face Pirates in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter this weekend. 

Photo by Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix  

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