Africa-Press – Namibia. PETER Shalulile enhanced his legend with an unprecedented double of top prizes at the South African Premiership (PSL) awards on Sunday.
The 28-year-old Namibian international forward was crowned the PSL player of the season and players’ player of the season for the second consecutive year, and added the golden boot with 23 league goals – the second-highest tally in PSL history.
It capped a remarkable 30-goal season in which he fired Mamelodi Sundowns to three domestic trophies and a quarter-final CAF Champions League finish.
The modest hitman on Sunday in his acceptance speech said his success was not easy to attain and came about through teamwork.
“It has not been an easy season for me. There were times when it was up and down. You guys saw the hard work I put in. If I had the opportunity to give this award to anyone, I’d love each and everyone to get this award,” Shalulile said.
The accolades were not unexpected given that Shalulile was again the standout performer in South Africa during the 2021/22 season, and is fully deserving of winning the top-two individual player awards, Superport.com said in its awards commentary.
The Golden Boot was the second of Shalulile’s PSL career as he previously won the award in the 2019/20 season while he was on the books of Highlands Park.
It was no surprise that Shalulile was on the score sheet in Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-1 Nedbank Cup final win over Marumo Gallants on Saturday.
He is the first player since Collins Mbesuma (2004-05) to score 30 goals in a season in all competitions, with 23 of those coming in the league.
“To be honest I’m not satisfied, and I’m going to keep on fighting. I want 26 goals and that’s what champions do,” Shalulile’s said about missing out on the scoring record.
“Maybe next year I’m scoring more goals. But all I can say, I’m grateful, to each and everyone, the supporters, for what they’ve done this year, it was amazing.”
He started 46 of Sundowns’ 49 games in all competitions – another massive feat of endurance that deserves applause, showing he is also in peak physical condition.
It was the first time anyone had broken the 20-goal barrier since Siyabonga Nomvethe for Swallows FC in 2012.
Overall, Shalulile contributed 37 goals and assists to Sundowns’ quadruple chasing efforts.
“As the Sundowns coaches keep stressing, his game is about much more than goals though, he works hard for the team and never lets his level of effort drop. He deserves every accolade that comes his way,” SupersSport’s review highlighted.
His teammates Lyle Lakay and Andile Jali won the best premiership defender and midfielder prizes, with Jali also scooping the standout player awards for the SA Top 8 competition and FA Cup.
Co-gaffers Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena got the coach of the season for steering Sundowns to a second treble-winning campaign.
Since joining Sundowns in 2020, the Brave Warriors captain has now won everything there is to win in South African football.
‘Sha-Sha’, as Shalulile is affectionately known by the club’s adoring following, has been a scoring machine since arriving in South Africa, goal.com observed when breaking down his impact since moving across the border.
In just two seasons at Sundowns, Shalulile has fired in 52 goals from 85 games, adding 15 assists.
The former Tura Magic defender has scored 61 top-flight league goals in South Africa with Sundowns and Highlands Park.
In total, Shalulile has scored an impressive 101 in 198 starts, almost exactly a goal every other game, since leaving Tura Magic FC in 2015 for Highlands Park.
That includes 62 in the top flight, 20 in the second division, 13 in the cup as well as six in the continental cup.
“Not bad for a player who started his career as a left back!” SuperSport commented.
Meanwhile, the club reportedly earned a whopping N$43 million in prize money this season.
The players will share the NS15 million for winning the league, plus the N$7 million winner’s purse Nedbank Cup for their efforts.
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