Mamelodi Sundowns are likely to be without Peter Shalulile in their second-leg MTN8 semi-final against Orlando Pirates at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The two-time Premier Soccer League (PSL) Footballer of the Season has been ‘rested’ for the past few weeks amid concerns over what is suggested to be a muscle injury.
With indications it could be due to an overload over the past 12 months within a heavily congest fixture and travel schedule with Masandawana, he featured in 45 of their 49 games across all competitions last season.
This website understands there are deliberations over whether he should be risked as they await medical feedback over how serious the injury is or whether he would require surgery that may benefit him in the long-term but won’t be available for selection for an extended period.
Alternatively, there’s been cases where the player could be cleared to feature, as the upcoming month-long break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup could provide the time off to get him back into full fitness and injury free.
“To be honest I’d not like to talk much about the players in our camp, the truth or the thing I’m happy about is we tried to see how the team can perform without Peter in the last three matches and we’ve scored 16 goals in three matches which is important,” head coach Manqoba Mngqithi said ahead of the Pirates showdown.
“As to whether he will be part of this one or not, at this stage, I can’t be sure, we did rest him over the last three matches, we also want him to be as fresh as possible and probably, he might come as a big surprise for this match [against Pirates].
“At this stage, it will be very difficult to say whether he’s in or out because the specialist has to give a call in that space, because his condition is okay in terms of his physical condition, so we just have to wait and see what comes from the specialist.”
Shalulile has been one of the most prolific scorers in South African football since his arrival from Tura Magic, scoring 87 goals and registering 25 assists in 180 top-flight games for Masadawana and Highlands Park respectively.
