Peter Shalulile advised against leaving Mamelodi Sundowns despite struggling to fit into Miguel Cardoso's plan - 'He is a true soldier, could have tucked Matthews' chances away'

Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has struggled to get game time at the club under coach Miguel Cardoso.

Currently, he is behind Iqraam Rayners, Arthur Sales and Lebo Mothiba in the pecking order, despite his undoubted experience.

Recently, he was given just a couple of minutes in the almost ending FIFA Club World Cup as Masandawana crashed out in the group stage.

There have been suggestions that Shalulile should consider leaving, but former Masandawana player Manqoba Ngwenya has advised against that.

“Shalulile has been a true soldier for Sundowns. He excelled since he joined from Highlands Park [in September 2020]," he told Sowetan.

"He's a natural hard worker, so for me, he's still an asset for the team. Sundowns are always involved in at least five competitions every season, so I believe Shalulile will get his chance in the new season.

“To be honest, I was shocked to see the coach not using Shalulile that much at the Club World Cup [where he only played 13 minutes in the last game against Fluminense].

"For me, Shalulile is a potent finisher, and if you look at the chances [Tashreeq] Matthews missed, I am sure Shalulile would have tucked them away," Ngwenya concluded.

Shalulile's current deal with the Brazilians concludes in June 2027, meaning the striker has two years left on his current deal with the club.

At 31 years, the forward still has a lot to offer, but he has to prove he is ready to muscle his way into the starting team.

Having played at the highest level both at the club and international platform, Shalulile has the kind of experience any team would love to have in their squad, or First XI.

Shalulile has to have a chat with the current technical team and get a clear picture of what his role will be in the 2025/26 edition.

If things are not appealing, he can consider asking for a loan move or a release altogether since he is at the age where he should be playing regularly before calling it a day.