Mamelodi Sundowns utility player Aubrey Modiba has opened up on the emotional impact of losing hitman Peter Shalulile, admitting he was caught off guard by the Namibian striker’s blockbuster departure.
Shalulile was recently unveiled as a marquee signing for Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC [Yanga], drawing the curtain on an extraordinary six-year spell at Chloorkop.
The 32-year-old leaves Masandawana as a decorated legend, having helped the club secure five Betway Premiership titles, the CAF Champions League, and the inaugural African Football League [AFL] crown.
More significantly, Shalulile bids farewell to South African football as the PSL’s all-time record goalscorer with 130 goals, surpassing the long-standing milestone previously set by former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates forward Siyabonga Nomvethe.
‘NOT SOMETHING I EXPECTED’ – AUBREY MODIBA REACTS TO PETER SHALULILE’S MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DEPARTURE
Modiba and Shalulile both completed their moves to Sundowns ahead of the 2020/21 season—from SuperSport United and Highlands Park respectively—building a close relationship over six trophy-laden campaigns.
Modiba conceded that seeing his long-time teammate move on was a bitter pill to swallow.
“Funny enough, I arrived on the same day, the same season as him [Peter Shalulile],” Modiba told journalists. “We arrived together, and seeing him leave is obviously not something I expected, to be honest.
“But it happened, and we will miss him. We will miss him in the gym, his music, the way he used to cheer us in the changeroom, the way he used to dance, and his competitive spirit. The way he trains and how he approaches his game—he scored crucial goals for us.”
‘YANGA GAINED A TOP STRIKER’ – AUBREY MODIBA
While Shalulile’s goals defined an era of dominance for Masandawana across domestic and continental competitions, Modiba believes Yanga have acquired a ruthless professional who will transform their attack.
However, the Bafana Bafana international offered a lighthearted warning to his former teammate regarding a potential showdown in continental competition.
“I am going to miss him a lot, and I think Yanga gained a good striker who is going to help them score goals,” Modiba added with a laugh. “He doesn’t have to score against us, though! We will miss him a lot.”
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