He has etched closer to breaking Collins Mbesuma's 17-year-old record and is just three goals away from equalling 'Ntofo-Ntofo's' haul – but Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says Peter Shalulile is not losing sleep over the achievement.
Three goals in three games – that is all the Namibian needs to make history by equalling a record that has been standing since the 2004/05 season when former Kaizer Chiefs striker Mbesuma managed 25 goals in a league campaign.
However, despite the looming record, Shalulile's coach Mngqithi has praised the 28-year-old's elite mindset during a crucial period of the season.
"I don't think he's that kind of a player that we need to make an extra effort to get him in a good space mentally. I think for one, he is very focused and professional, one player that maybe more than anything else he needs to be assisted to achieve that because I don't even think it's something that rings in his head that 'I want to surpass Mbesuma's record'," he told the club's official website.
"Peter just wants to play football, he's committed to his work and when he's this close, you will wish as a coach that Peter can achieve these ultimate targets because he has done so well thus far. How long has it been in the PSL that we've had a striker that scores more than 20 goals per season? For him to go as far as maybe matching that record will be very good because I think he has really served us as Sundowns very well and we are very proud of him," he added.
Standing in Shalulile's way of the record are Kaizer Chiefs, Stellenbosch and Royal AM who they face in their last three matches, although it is worth noting that he has managed to find the back of the net against Chiefs and Royal AM already this campaign.
