Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has revealed two international stars as his inspiration after reaching another milestone.
The Namibian captain netted his 19th goal in the CAF Champions League when Sundowns beat Esperance at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday in the first leg of the quarterfinal.
Shalulile’s crucial away goal not only secured a vital advantage for Sundowns in the second leg but also cemented his place in history. He now holds the record for the most goals scored by a South Africa-based player in the Champions League.
His journey began with a debut goal against Jwaneng Galaxy in 2020, and the 30-year-old has never looked back ever since.
On the other hand, Shalulile is only three goals away from breaking Siyabonga Nomvethe’s PSL record of 129 goals. With Sundowns left with seven matches in the Betway Premiership, Shalulile could soon become the all-time leading scorer in the PSL.
WHO ARE THE INTERNATIONAL STARS THAT INSPIRE PETER SHALULILE?
“As a striker, you always want to score goals, not compete with other people but compete with yourself because you are inspired by players playing outside the country, who are like Cristiano Ronaldo and [Erling] Haaland,” said Shalulile.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR CREDITS BACKROOM STAFF FOR HIS SCORING QUALITIES
“But then it’s a good feeling. It[scoring goals] wants me to work harder, and I give credit to the coaches that I have worked with.
“The ones off the scene and on the pitch, the ones that do the finishing drills with me. Those are the people that I give credit to and most of all to God, who always gives me the opportunity to score.”
After finishing in the semifinals of the Champions League in the past two seasons, Shalulile says they still have the belief to win their second star. Sundowns will face Esperance in a return leg on Tuesday, 8 April.
“We all want to be champions of Africa. We all want to win, so we will do our best and we will keep on believing,” he added.
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