Miguel Cardoso gives a new statement about Peter Shalulile and his situation with the team! | OneFootball

The Portuguese coach speaks frankly about his striker's situation.

Miguel Cardoso gives a new statement about Peter Shalulile and his situation with the team!

Amid the high-stakes preparations for a new campaign, a shadow of uncertainty loomed over one of Mamelodi Sundowns' most prized assets. Peter Shalulile, the prolific Namibian striker, found himself at a career crossroads, his heart and future hanging in the balance. The allure of a new challenge with Tunisian powerhouse Esperance was strong, strong enough for him to temporarily step away from his Sundowns teammates to engage in serious talks.

Yet, as is often the case in the beautiful game, the anticipated transfer collapsed at the eleventh hour, and Shalulile returned to the familiar grounds of Chloorkop. The question on everyone's mind was how the talisman would reintegrate after his head had been turned.

The man tasked with managing this situation, coach Miguel Cardoso, now reflects on that period with a sense of resolved calm. He observes a man transformed from the one entangled in summer speculation.

"With Peter, or any player for that matter, it's all about moments," Cardoso shared, delving into the striker's journey. "He's in a good moment now—you can see he's much happier. But that contentment had to be rebuilt after the turbulence at the season's start, when his future here was genuinely in doubt."

Cardoso painted a picture of a professional who, once his heart realigned with the club, allowed his performance to follow. "When his heart settled, his quality on the pitch began to shine through again. His training levels have been exceptional, and his commitment is undeniable."

However, the path back to the starting lineup was not immediate. The coach explained the tactical reality that temporarily kept Shalulile on the sidelines. "We had Iqraam Rayners in scintillating form, finding the net nearly every time he played. Our system doesn't typically accommodate two out-and-out strikers, so it became a waiting game."

That wait was characterized not by frustration, but by patience and relentless hard work. Cardoso was quick to laud Shalulile's professionalism during this challenging period. "Peter waited with the patience and dedication you'd expect from a player of his caliber. He remained the ultimate professional."

Fate, as it often does, intervened. An injury to Rayners while on national team duty opened the door. And Shalulile, prepared and poised, didn't just step through it—he burst through. Seizing his opportunity with both hands, he has since reminded everyone of the elite footballer he is, thriving on regular minutes and showcasing the fruits of his labour with the coaches and his teammates. The speculation is now a distant memory, replaced by the familiar sight of a focused and firing Peter Shalulile.