Cardoso reacts to Shalulile PSL record, gives injury update on Zwane | OneFootball

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Cardoso on Shalulile's record PSL feat, Zwane injury status

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/ BackPagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has reacted to prolific forward Peter Shalulile tying Siyabonga Nomvethe’s long-standing record of 129 goals in the PSL and provided a brief update on the injury status of Themba Zwane.

The Namibian has somewhat fallen down the pecking orders since the arrival of the Portuguese mentor and was subject to intense speculations over his future in the past few weeks, with several clubs, including Esperance de Tunis, said to be interested in his services.

Despite the noise, Shalulile, who was afforded a rare opportunity to lead the line against Magesi FC on Wednesday evening, scored a historic goal that saw him go joint top in the PSL all-time top goal scorers list.

Overall, the 30-year-old has scored 102 goals with 26 assists in 208 games for Sundowns, while netting 27 times for Highlands Park. In the wake of the striker’s feat, the Downs mentor expressed his delight as Shalulile etched his name in PSL history.

“Obviously that when players achieve their own objectives also and mark the history and we as a team help them to achieve those achievements, we all feel proud and happy. Obviously as you saw I also ran to congratulate him and give him a hug,” said Cardoso.

“It’s important that Peter [Shalulile] helps us to win matches, basically him and the team did a wonderful job today, very resilient because it was a very difficult match.

Meanwhile, Cardoso also gave an update on the injured Zwane, who was forced out during the first leg clash of the MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates last Saturday. Notably, the skipper returned from a long-term injury setback at the back end of last season.

“Well, unfortunately, I believe Themba [Zwane] will be out for maybe around two months probably. But he will come back stronger I believe, for sure and we are expecting him to come [back] as quickly as possible,” he added.

“Since the moment he got injured the club and him, made everything to make that time [out] reduced as possible, let’s hope we get to it [recovery] as short as possible.