Injury-ravaged season a learning curve for Peter Shalulile

Yet, the Namibian international, who struggled with injuries for the better part of the campaign, still managed 15 goals in 39 games across all competitions. 

Speaking to SABC Sport, Shalulile described it a “learning curve”. 

"To be honest, it has been a great season for my teammates, and individually I would say it's a learning curve, having been stopped from doing the things I need," said Shalulile.

"I've been more focused on injury prevention, but we still thank the Lord for the opportunity that he's given me to play amongst great players like this.

"I would just like to thank the Mamelodi Sundowns supporters, Coach Rulani [Mokwena], and the players for an incredible season – it's history that we are making, and many more to come.

"It's all about discipline and hard work, and never giving up. We put in more work, we don't sleep, that's why we are where we are."

Asked how he handled adversity this season and still pushed for the league’s Golden Boot, which was won by Pirates’ Tshegofatso Mabasa, the 30-year-old feels he proved his pedigree even in the low moments.

"One thing of being a quality striker, you never lose your touch for a goal. So, for me, I always come back from injury and do the things I did – those extras, and that's why [the goals] keep on coming," he added.

"Knowing there are good players and top strikers at Pirates is something good because [the Golden Boot race] is competitive now.

"At the end of the day, we just don't want to see one person get the same thing and being the top goal scorer, we need to push and make sure that it's competitive.

"He's a good striker, 100 per cent, but the ball is round and we just on that particular day have to see who takes their chances."

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