Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed that their forward Peter Shalulile has suffered an injury blow after he missed the DStv Premiership defeat to Kaizer Chiefs.
Sundowns saw their 21-game unbeaten run snapped after they suffered a surprise 2-1 by Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday afternoon.
The club’s top scorer Peter Shalulile was missing in the game as Gift Motupa started in his place for his maiden start of the season. His presence could have changed the course of the game for sure, with co-coach Mngqithi lamenting his side’s failure to bury more of their chances during the game when they had it.
In the end, it proved to be costly as Chiefs completed a quick turnaround to take home all three points eventually.
Speaking after the defeat, co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained the Namibian’s absence and confirmed that he will be unavailable against Golden Arrows on Wednesday. That would come as another blow as Sundowns aim to distance themselves from yet another close opponent on the table.
“Shalulile has a Grade-1 strain in his ankle. He should be ready possibly after the Golden Arrows match,” Mngqithi told media after watching his team’s record unbeaten run brought to an end on his 50th birthday.”
The 27-year-old has been impressive for Masandawana in all competitions this season with 16 goals and eight assists in 31 games.
The Brazilians remain favourites to win the title despite the loss on Sunday. They have 47 points from 22 games and hold a three point lead over second-placed AmaZulu while they have played two games less.
Shalulile is now expected to regain full fitness just in time to be cleared to play in another big game against Orlando Pirates on Sunday. Depending on the result from the Golden Arrows game in midweek, that fixture could go on to define Sundowns’ title charge.
Mngqithi and company now face a frantic wait as they sweat on the timely fitness of their star forward ahead of the weekend.
The 27-year-old has exceeded all expectations this season and continues to be one of the shining lights for Sundowns in a season where they have largely dominated on all fronts. As the latest update on the forward comes, we’ll be sure to break the news on the go.