Premier Soccer League (PSL) top goal scorer record holder Collins Mbesuma believes Mamelodi Sundowns marksman Peter Shalulile have the capabilities to break his long-standing record this season.
Mbesuma holds the record for the most goals scored in a single campaign following his 25 goals for Kaizer Chiefs 17 years ago.
Shalulile currently leads the DStv Premiership scoring charts this season with 21 goals and four matches remaining.
Just like Mbesuma, the Namibian international is on the verge of being the only other player to win the accolade more than once since the inception of the PSL in 1996.
Mbesuma won it twice, in 2005 with Chiefs and during the 2015/16 season with Mpumalanga Black Aces after scoring 14 goals. Shalulile shared the award with Gabadinho Mhango in 2019/20 while still at Highlands Park with 16 goals.
“He can score even more than 25 goals you know,” said Mbesuma who played with Shalulile at Highlands Park during the 2016/17 season.
“The way Sundowns are playing and the form he is in, the record is there to break. I came here and I broke the record so another one is going to come and break it. I wish him the best and I know Peter because I played with him at Highlands Park.
“He is very humble, he always works extra hard. I used to stay behind (at training) with him to do finishing. Very humble, he challenges himself and is very open to learn. For me it is not a surprise because I know the guy is a hard worker,” added Mbesuma who is now playing for GladAfrica Championship side Pretoria Callies.
“I know he is feeling the pressure but he must just take it easy and take it game by game. We talk often, but about this (the record) no. But we do speak there and there. For me I am proud of myself, I came to South Africa while I was nothing but if you talk about strikers in South Africa, I am one of the best so for me the record is there to break.”
Sundowns are away to Sekhukhune United in a DStv Premiership clash on Tuesday evening at 19:30 and Shalulile is expected to continue with his goalscoring spree.
