Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena has come to the defence of striker Peter Shalulile, who has struggled for form in front of goal in 2022.
Shalulile has scored one goal in the matches Sundowns have played since the resumption of football after the Africa Cup of Nations, but the Sundowns technical team has kept their faith in the Namibian international.
Mokwena stated that Shalulile plays a bigger role in the team than just scoring goals.
"I do think that if there is a player who is worthy of some form of slack when there are no goals...the confidence, the role that he has and the number thing is to score goals. But the reality is that in the absence of the goals is the overall contribution to the team. And not just Peter, but all our players in offensive positions," Mokwena told media ahead of their CAF Champions League match against Sudanese outfit Al Merrikh on Saturday afternoon.
Sundowns are top of group A after their 1-0 victory over Al Hilal and have an opportunity to extend their lead at the summit when they take on Al Merrikh today.
Mokwena confirmed that attacking players Pavol Safranko and Gift Motupa are not available for the clash.
