Shalulile is back for Sundowns
Peter Shalilule is back on the training pitch at Chloorkop, but Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena was reluctant to give more details about when the ace striker will be back to full training.
The Namibian hitman, who has been out of action since last month with a sports hernia injury that required surgery, warmed up with the rest of his teammates on Thursday but did not take part in full contact training.
“He is here, we love him and he is adored by his teammates, and he is adored because he is an incredible human being,” Mokwena said after Downs’ 4-0 win against Orlando Pirates in the final of friendly Carling Black Label Cup.
“But as a coach, there is something I have picked up with my few years of experience. Many people forget this is my second big club. I am the head coach and I have learned a hell of a lot through the years.
“I seldom speak about players who are unavailable. This is one of the things I have learned when it comes to injuries. The only reason I do that is because the energy and emotions I derive when I speak about a player who is unavailable are negative energies and emotions.
“This is because it saddens me. I rather speak about the players who are available because that derives more positive energy because you are able to give a player like Cassius Mailula an opportunity.
“You are giving him an opportunity not because of the absence of someone else, which is negative, but you are giving him an opportunity because you believe he can do the job and he deserves a place in the team like anyone else.
“It is driven from a more positive side. I would rather speak about players whom we give opportunities to. Players who shine and make sure they give the best they can. That fills me with positive energy.”
Black Label Cup domestic football takes a seven-week break for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar from Sunday until 18 December.
Sundowns return with their tasty DStv Premiership clash against Pirates at Loftus Versfeld on 31 December.