Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has refused to take credit for Peter Shalulile’s turn-around in form, saying the Namibian striker’s professional conduct both on and off the field has reaped dividend results.
Shalulile, who is currently on course to become the PSL’s all-time top goalscorer, was amongst the goals as Sundowns hammered Kaizer Chiefs 4-0 at FNB Stadium to reach the Carling Knockout Cup semifinals.
This was Shalulile’s fourth goal in three matches across all competitions, with Mngqithi also thanking everyone associated with club for believing and wishing the 30-year-old goal poacher well in his return to form.
“I wouldn’t want to take the credit for his turn around,” Mngqithi said in his post-match presser.
“I think, first it starts from him. He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever worked with. He’s one of the hardest working players that I’ve ever worked with. And laser sharp in terms of focus in everything that he does as a professional.
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“And that is probably what made almost everyone in the team, the coaching staff, the supporting staff – everyone within the club was always wishing Peter the best of luck.
“We were dealing with a case here of somebody that does everything that you want from a professional football, and that focus made everybody to always poor positive energy towards him that it [the goals] will come.
“The least that we did as coaches was not to lose faith in him but to always try and play him in some matches where maybe we’re feeling the opponent and which side we’re playing him because we want him to break this curse but fortunately he managed to go through.
“But I wouldn’t want to steal the fame and create impression that I did anything extra ordinary to help him.
“I think it was a group collective but it starts from the person that he is because everybody could not help but wished Peter all the best.
“And I’m sure all of us we were also keeping him in our prayers to make sure that he comes back,” Manqoba further added.
