Shalulile confident of shining in the PSL with Highlands Park

HIGHLANDS PARK’S Peter Shalulile is hoping to finish off the season on a high after an impressive second half in the NFD.

The talisman scored 13 of his side’s tally of 56 goals, helping Highlands Park clinch automatic promotion back to the PSL.

Shalulile endured a tough six months out with an injury during the first half of the campaign.

However, having worked his way back to full fitness in the past four months, the star has his eyes set on the NFD golden boot accolade.

“As a player, prior to my achievements this season, I wanted to to take the top goal scorer award,” Shalulile said at training on Thursday. “I would like to break records in the upcoming games”.

Shalulile will have to continue with his scoring spree in Park’s dead-rubber match against Mthatha Bucks this afternoon. Bucks are currently bottom in the standings, in the second tier of pro soccer.

After managing only one goal in Highlands Park’s maiden season in elite football two seasons ago, the 24-year-old Shalulile knows that in next season’s he’ll have to do better.

“My targets in the PSL are the same as this season,’’ Shalulile said.

“I want us to play as a team and win as a team as well. Personally I’ll push more, and who knows, I might take the top goalscorer award.”

Shalulile trails the league’s all- time top goal scorer Phumelele Bhengu by nine goals.

After Bhengu’s remarkable mark in the NFD, he went on to sign for SuperSport United, but he failed to live up to expectation.

However Shalulile is adamant he will stay at the Tembisa- based club, where he hopes to make a mark for himself in top-flight football.

“I am happy where I am,” he said.

“My desire is to play overseas. If there is another team (in SA) that is interested in my services, I’d prefer staying in the club.

“We’ve grown as a team and I am not willing to break that chain.”

Shalulile went on to laud partner-striker, currently on loan to the club, Moeketsi Sekola, saying: “He’s been a great addition to the team. He’s experienced; hence he taught me a lot. I enjoy playing with him.”