Mamelodi Sundowns get Peter Shalulile boost ahead of Chippa tie
Mamelodi Sundowns hitman Peter Shalulile is in contention to play against Chippa United in the DStv Premiership clash at Loftus Stadium on Tuesday.
The Namibian international has been on the sidelines since October due to a muscle injury.
Shalulile has fully recovered and is part of Sundowns’ squad that welcomes the Chilli Boys as they kick off their second round of the 2022/23 season.
His return is a boost to Sundowns, who begin their CAF Champions League group stage campaign at the beginning of February.
Sundowns play three successive Champions League games, as they host Sudan’s Al Hilal on 10 February before visiting Coton Sport of Cameroon the following weekend.
On 24 February, Sundowns take on Egyptian giants Al Ahly and will need a sharp Shalulile.
PETER SHALULILE TO GET A RUN SOON?
Downs head coach Rulani Mokwena is likely to give Shalulile a cameo as he eases him back into the thick of things.
In the Brave Warriors captain’s absence, academy graduate Cassius Mailula has stepped in and notched some crucial goals for the team.
The 21-year-old attacker has scored five goals and provided two assists in six games.
Mailula has also contributed two goals in the CAF Champions League and another two in the MTN8.
In the build-up to the Orlando Pirates game just before the turn of the New Year, Mokwena said his top marksman had been training on the grass for a week.
He handed him a 60-minute appearance in a friendly match against Sekhukhune.
“The protocol first is to return to training and to return for availability for selection. He has only gone past the first stage of rehabilitation.
“Everything depends on the individual and the biomechanics, physiological reaction and the player’s reactions to medical treatments,” explained the Sundowns mentor.
The defending champions had to do without the 29-year-old in the final few weeks leading up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup break.
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