Mamelodi Sundowns’ red-hot forward Peter Shalulile may have his eye on Collins Mbesuma’s 16-year-old record of 25 PSL goals in one season. His 21 goals have been served in all manner of ways – headers, tap-ins, delicious strikes and individual poaching.
No doubt, there’s a long list of luminaries that have donned the Downs jersey with pride and made the club’s fans proud. Some names that quickly come to mind are Daniel ‘Mambush’ Mudau, Surprise Moriri, Esrom Nyandoro and Hlompho Kekana.
While breaking Mbesuma’s record would be a mean achievement for the Namibian, you get the feeling that guiding Masandawana to the Caf Champions League title, in addition, would grant Shalulile immortality.
As Sundowns embark on a tricky away visit to Petro Atletico in the Caf Champions League on Saturday, FARPostTechnical Study Group (TSG) looks at types of Shalulile goals ahead of this match in Luanda.
- Goals from specific movements
Sundowns’ attack strategies revolve around intricate movements. Such movements are supplemented by the inclination to adopt inter-passing mechanisms amongst the attacking line.
As such, Shalulile moves across the attacking zone with ease. His preferred movements include:
1.1 Encroachment to the left channel
1.2 Delayed central movement
1.3 Succinct and pseudo movement in the half-spaces
- Positioning for corners
Shalulile is a typical fox in the box. His positioning for offensive corners has been impressive. Against Al Ahly in (1-0) win at the FNB stadium, Shalulile was placed at the back pole and quickly snapped inside to nod the winner against the defending champions.
Similarly, this consistent pattern was observed in a (6-0) drubbing of Golden Arrows. Shalulile was positioned at the rear end of the box and eventually moved inward to slot the header past the hapless keeper.
- Immortality status
Although the jury is out that Mbesuma’s record will be broken, it is the CAF Champions League title that will cement his status. The likes of Moriri, Nyandoro, Kekana and Mudau have inscribed themselves in the hearts of the Masandawana community through their contribution to the club.
But, their immortality status is questionable. Hence, breaking Mbesuma’s record will be a massive achievement. However, breaking that record and capturing the CAF title will propel Shalulile to a certain immortality status in the history of the ‘Brazilians’.
