Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena anxiously awaits an update on the seriousness of the injury of striker Peter Shalulile.
Shalulile, a former PSL Footballer of the Season, limped off in the 73rd minute of Sundowns’ 4-0 win over Golden Arrows on Tuesday at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena told the media that Shalulile had suffered a muscle injury and would be assessed by the club’s medical team.
Mokwena said he hoped to have more news on Shalulile’s injury on Wednesday.
“I am not so concerned about the injury to Shalulile,” said Mokwena. “We travelled a lot during the pre-season. We also travelled to Holland in Europe. When we were in Europe, we travelled to the border of Holland and Germany. We were 10 minutes to Germany. And now we have back-to-back matches, and that is the reason we have a big squad to accommodate this kind of situation. Shalulile will be assessed by the medical team, and they will give us a report, and we will see.”
Due to muscle injuries, Sundowns are already without Khuliso Mudau, Thapelo Morena and Junior Mendieta.
Peter Shalulile’s injury is a massive blow to Sundowns, who are currently top of the PSL table. The 29-year-old striker has started the season well, scoring two goals in the opening four matches.
If Shalulile is ruled out for a significant period, it will put added pressure on Sundowns’ other strikers.
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The defending champions let go of Cassius Mailula and Thabiso Kutumela. Mailula is now playing in the MLS for Toronto FC, while ‘Kutu’ is with Cape Town City.
Sundowns have several important matches, including the CAF Champions League and the CAF Super Cup.
Rulani Mokwena hopes that Shalulile’s injury is not too severe and that he can return to action soon. The Sundowns coach knows that Shalulile is a crucial player for his team and that his absence will be a significant loss.
In the meantime, Sundowns fans will have to wait anxiously for news on Shalulile’s injury. The information is expected to be announced on Thursday.