Why did Miguel Cardoso deny Peter Shalulile a chance to punish Chiefs & break goal record? 'We're just going to manage the right player, moment & occasion'

Mamelodi Sundowns shared spoils with Kaizer Chiefs in a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night in the Premier Soccer League game staged at the FNB Stadium.

The hosts dominated proceedings, playing with intent and limiting the defending champions from getting things done their way.

It was the first time this season that Amakhosi dropped points, while Masandawana have managed two wins and as many draws. 

When Sundowns struggled to score, Peter Shalulile was the obvious replacement for Iqraam Rayners.

The 31-year-old had scored 10 goals in the 17 matches he had played against Chiefs, but it was Lebo Mothiba who was introduced instead.

It also means that the Namibian was denied a chance to get his 130th South African top-flight goal and beat a long-standing Siyabonga Nomvethe record.

Coach Miguel Cardoso has since justified his decision not to play Shalulile. 

“Peter will have opportunities for sure, the question is what kind of game you are playing, and depending on the kind of game we are playing, Peter will be used for sure," he said in his post-match interview.

"Peter is a player who is fantastic in short spaces when the team is high to play short spaces, play in the box, he knows very well how to read the game.

"So, that is the Peter we're going to use, Peter and everybody in this group is very valuable for us, we don’t reject no one and we just going to manage the right player, moment and occasion," Cardoso added.

The next game will be away to Stellenbosch, and the tactician has opened up on what to expect.

“Another tough game, beautiful team. I think it will be important to recover, see how, assess well the players, and see who is able to go for the fight.

"Stellenbosch has more than 24 hours; they played yesterday. I think with this spirit, we are much closer to winning, much closer to winning a match like this one and the one we're going to play in Stellenbosch,” Cardoso concluded.

Sundowns have already been eliminated from the MTN8 and have won two out of the four Premier Soccer League matches played this season.

Well, this is putting pressure on the coach and his technical team, meaning he has no option but to ensure he bounces back.