Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained his decision to bench star striker Peter Shalulile for the match against Kaizer Chiefs, clarifying the thinking behind leaving the record-chasing forward on the sidelines.
Cardoso’s troops and Chiefs battled to a goalless draw in the Betway Premiership at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Wednesday evening.
While Sundowns secured a valuable away point, some fans were left frustrated by coach Cardoso’s decision to leave Shalulile on the bench. Many believed the prolific striker was the key to breaking down the Amakhosi defence, but instead, Cardoso opted to start with Iqraam Rayners, who was replaced by Lebo Mothiba in the second half.
The Namibian forward is currently on the brink of history, having matched the all-time PSL scoring record with 129 goals most recently. He needs just one more to become the league’s all-time leading goal scorer. To add to that, the 31-year-old boasts an impressive record against Chiefs. He has scored against them 10 times in 17 matches.
CARDOSO’S STANCE ON SHALULILE
Asked why he did not opt for Shalulile, the outspoken mentor, Cardoso said that the magnitude of the assignment determines the decision.
“Peter will have so many opportunities, but the question is what kind of game you are playing. And depending on the kind of game we are playing. Peter will be used for sure, many times,” said Cardoso in his post-match interview.
“Peter is a player who, in short spaces, is fantastic when the team is high to play short spaces, play in the box. He knows very well how to read the game.
“So, that is the Peter we’re going to use. Peter and everybody in this group are very valuable to us. We don’t reject anyone, and we are just going to manage the right player, moment and occasion.”
This season, Shalulile has featured in two out of the four Betway Premiership matches played so far by Sundowns. He has managed to score one goal. And as it stands, the serial Betway Premiership winners are third on the log table with eight points.
Cardoso and his men will now shift focus to their next assignment in the league against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns coach reacts to Peter Shalulile’s historic goal