Miguel Cardoso explains Peter Shalulile decision in Chippa stalemate | OneFootball

Cardoso clarifies decision to keep Shalulile on the bench

Picture courtesy of Mamelodi Sundowns

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has shed light on the decision to keep Peter Shalulile on the bench in their opening match of the Betway Premiership, amid the player’s uncertain future at Chloorkop.

The Namibian international has fallen down the pecking orders since the arrival of the Portuguese mentor, who prefers Iqraam Rayners to lead the line, with Lebo Mothiba as his direct replacement from the bench.

Shalulile, who was left out of the squad that beat Richards Bay in the MTN8 quarterfinal, returned to training and was included for the league opener. The prolific forward has drawn interest from Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis, a club in the gulf region and Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal Omdurman.

While he was welcomed back in the matchday squad despite ongoing discussions with the Taraji, the 31-year-old talisman was an unused substitute against Chippa United on Saturday – a decision the Downs mentor clarified.

“I would have liked to eventually put Peter [Shalulile] or a second striker on the pitch, that’s what I was expecting from having Arthur [Sales] until the end because Arthur can make that position,” said Cardoso.

“I could eventually keep the same changes on the outside, to have the mobility that Kutlwano [Letlhaku] and Siyabonga Mabena could bring but have an extra man upfront. But unfortunately, the fact that Arthur had to come out [injured] changed our options a little bit.

“But we have to manage the players that we have in the squad, reinforcements from the bench, on the outside spaces are the ones that I put in. It’s my job to work with the players I have in the squad, and I will do it the best way I can.

The Tshwane giants will swing back into action with a clash against AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday evening (19h30), before they lock horns with Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 semi-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.