It appears Esperance are close to securing the signature of Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile, with FARPost having obtained information on the offer they submitted to the Tshwane giants for the prolific forward.
Shalulile, along with other key players of the club — Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Khuliso Mudau — was not part of the team that defeated Richards Bay FC in the MTN8 this past Sunday.
The Namibian international’s contract ended at the conclusion of the previous season. However, Masandawana exercised the one-year option they had, meaning that any interested suitors would now have to pay a transfer fee to secure his signature.
Esperance have been in talks with the Tshwane giants, making their intentions clear in bringing the player on board ahead of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.
HOW MUCH ESPERANCE OFFERED TO SUNDOWNS
According to impeccable sources, Tunisian giants Esperance initially tabled an offer of over R13 million [$750,000] for Peter Shalulile. However, it is understood that Mamelodi Sundowns’ asking price is in the region of R16 million [$950,000].
While Esperance are said to be willing to meet Sundowns’ needs, Shalulile is reportedly pushing for a lower transfer fee. By reducing the amount the Betway Premiership side receives, the player aims to increase his personal package with Esperance.
Shalulile, who has been in Namibia since leaving the Sundowns camp before the MTN8 tournament, is expected to return to South Africa this week to finalise the transfer.
The centre-forward has been a vital cog for the Betway Premiership champions since joining the club on a five-year deal in 2020 from Highlands Park, when the club sold its status to TS Galaxy.
The 31-year-old centre-forward etched his name into the annals of Masandawana history with a truly unforgettable spell, netting 101 goals with 26 assists to his name in 205 appearances he made.
He helped the club win eight trophies during his time at Chloorkop. This includes five PSL league titles, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and African Football League [AFL].
The decline in his playing time started last season, after the appointment of Miguel Cardoso as the new head coach. The Portuguese coach took over from Manqoba Mngqithi in December, with Iqraam Rayners seemingly preferred as the leading hitman.
With 128 goals to his name in the PSL history, Shalulile is just one goal shy of matching Siyabonga Nomvethe’s all-time top scorer record of 129 goals.
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