The resurgence of Peter Shalulile: Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi refuses to take credit - 'I wouldn’t want to steal the fame and create an impression I did anything extraordinary to help him'

Peter Shalulile scored his fourth goal of the season when he netted in Mamelodi Sundowns' 4-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout quarter-final match at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

It was the 31-year-old's fourth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season after starting the term by firing blanks.

With Shalulile now having rediscovered his scoring touch, Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is refusing to take credit for his striker's resurgence.

“I wouldn’t want to take the credit for his turnaround,” Mngqithi said as per iDiski Times.

“I think, first it starts from him. He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever worked with. He’s one of the hardest working players that I’ve ever worked with. And laser sharp in terms of focus in everything that he does as a professional.

“And that is probably what made almost everyone in the team, the coaching staff, the supporting staff – everyone within the club was always wishing Peter the best of luck. 

“We were dealing with a case here of somebody that does everything that you want from a professional football, and that focus made everybody to always poor positive energy towards him that it [the goals] will come," added the 53-year-old.

“The least that we did as coaches was not to lose faith in him but to always try and play him in some matches where maybe we’re feeling the opponent and which side we’re playing him because we want him to break this curse but fortunately he managed to go through. 

“But I wouldn’t want to steal the fame and create an impression that I did anything extraordinary to help him," he continued. 

“I think it was a group collective but it starts from the person that he is because everybody could not help but wish Peter all the best. And I’m sure all of us we were also keeping him in our prayers to make sure that he comes back.”

For the first time in four seasons, Shalulile failed to reach double figures in the Premier Soccer League last season after finding the back of the net nine times.

During the 2021/22 season, he scored 23 league goals and came close to reaching Collins Mbesuma's record of 24 goals in a single campaign.

Now that he has reclaimed his scoring touch, Shalulile promises to score more than 10 league goals at the end of the PSL season although Iqraam Rayners is Sumdowns' top marksman right now with seven goals in all competitions.

The Brazilians still have a long way to go this season and that presents Shalulile with opportunities to score many goals if not injured.

Sundowns are still chasing glory in the PSL title race, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, Caf Champions League and the African Football League if it resumes this season.