The grand stage offered by Kaizer Chiefs hosting Mamelodi Sundowns this evening (Wednesday, 19:30) will come with an equally huge subplot for Peter Shalulile again.
Just like was the case on Saturday when Sundowns played Orlando Pirates in the second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, it will be another opportunity for Shalulile at FNB Stadium.
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It will be befitting that the Namibian scores the recording-breaking goal in front of the approximately 60 000 fans expected at the giant venue.
Shalulile just needs one more goal to reach 130 and become the highest scorer for a top-flight league club throughout the PSL era years, which came into effect in August 1996.
He is currently tied on 129 with Siyabonga Nomvete – who is now retired.
These are goals scored across all official competitions (and not just the league) while under contract with a club playing in the top tier of South African football.
Shalulile’s goals have come in in the MTN8, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, CAF Champions League, and African Football League.
That 129 goals tally has come from 291 matches, inclusive of his late introduction against Pirates on Saturday.
After all the pre-season uncertainties revolving around his contract and interest from Tunisian giants Esperance, Shalulile has the moments to frame on his wall in sight.
The 27 he scored at Highlands Park, plus 102 at Sundowns, means once he is on the field at FNB, photographers will be salivating to capture the best images if he scores against a team yet to concede this season.
"Peter is now fully committed with us as we are fully committed with Peter in keeping him at the moment, physically, tactically, and technically to continue (to) perform and to add goals to his goalscoring record," Miguel Cardoso, the Sundowns coach, said last week ahead of the Pirates match.
"Peter is one of the examples that we have obviously inside the club with the dedication that he has towards his profession of being a football player.
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"He trains very hard.
"He is an example to everybody and at the same time he is one of all the other ones that also are very professional and have qualities.
"Peter is a reference for everybody inside the club," says Cardoso.
Photo: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images
