Mamelodi Sundowns’ Mokwena talks Shalulile struggle and Erasmus return

It’s been a while since Mamelodi Sundowns fans watched Peter Shalulile’s goal celebrations. This is called a dry spell but Rhulani Mokwena is not perturbed.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS GET MORE THAN GOALS FROM PETER SHALULILE

Believe it or not, Shalulile has not hit the goal net in five matches. His last goal was the late header against Richard Bay in the Nedbank Cup last 32 last month.

But a coach’s job is to motivate and show belief in his players during the testing times.

“I think it’s only a matter of time before Peter scores,” Rhulani Mokwena said via the Sowetan.

“We know his qualities and what he gives to the team. It’s not just about putting the ball into the back of the net.

“We spoke about it before the game. He’s responsible, like all our other strikers, to start defending from the top, to help us to start creating possibilities for penetrative movements.

“And as long as he does that and the bigger picture is for the team to benefit we are content.”

ALSO READ: Soweto derby – Fans to protest at Orlando Pirates-Kaizer Chiefs match

KERMIT ERASMUS IS BACK IN THE TEAM

Meanwhile, a player who is surely a favourite footballer to many Mamelodi Sundowns fans is back: Kermit Erasmus. 

As we all saw while we were watching the El-Merrikh game last weekend, the Gebeqha-born striker took off his tracksuit and ran into the pitch after quite a bit of time on the bench.

The competition at Mamelodi Sundowns is so unforgiving, Mokwena has said Erasmus will ‘start to push for a place in the team.’ 

“But that also presents an opportunity to a player like Kermit Erasmus, who came on [against Merrikh] after some time and some injuries, to also start pushing for a place in the team,” Mokwena said.

Meanwhile, Friday is the day. Mamelodi Sundowns will take on an Al Ahly team that featured Pitso Mosimane and Percy Tau in Cairo.

ALSO READ: Mamelodi Sundowns’ former star Mere recalls setting a rope and stool to kill himself