Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has likened his high-profile transfer to Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC to Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic move from Real Madrid to Juventus.
The Namibian international recently completed a blockbuster move to Yanga, reuniting with former Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi in Dar es Salaam.
Shalulile brings an end to a glitzy six-season spell at Chloorkop, where he established himself as the Premier Soccer League’s all-time record goalscorer following his 2020 arrival from Highlands Park.
Prior to sealing his move to East Africa, the 32-year-old goal-poacher had been linked with several continental clubs, including ambitious Zimbabwean side Scottland FC.
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Speaking to reporters during his official unveiling in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, the former PSL Footballer of the Season dismissed suggestions that moving to Tanzania represented a step down in quality.
“Leaving South Africa and coming to Tanzania is like Cristiano [Ronaldo] leaving Real Madrid and going to Juventus,” Shalulile declared.
“So there is no poor league. All I am saying is that I know what I have chosen, and this is a competitive league. I have been watching it carefully, and there are top players coming from this country going outside.”
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With Mngqithi at the helm and Shalulile leading the frontline, Yanga have laid down a clear marker regarding their continental ambitions for the upcoming campaign.
While cautious about making grand promises to the Wananchi fanbase, the veteran forward remains adamant that success in the CAF Champions League requires collective persistence.
“It’s a team sport; I cannot come here and tell you that [winning it] is guaranteed,” Shalulile added.
“But there is positive energy among the players. Having a dream that is aligned to one common goal—reaching the CAF Champions League final—is key. It’s a matter of failing, learning, and eventually succeeding. That’s the remedy for how a Champions League is won.”
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