Shalulile is proving to be well worth his price tag

When Highlands Park hit Mamelodi Sundowns with an asking price believed to be in the region of R30 million for the services of Peter Shalulile (below) back in September last year, a lot of eyebrows were raised, suggesting he might not be worth it.

Of late, however, match after match, it seems he convinces more people that he was more than worth the cash splashed out for his services.

Shakulile joined Sundowns from the Lions of the North when its owners were looking to cash in on the forward before selling their top-flight status to TS Galaxy.

“He is one of the most professional players I have worked with. You can’t fault him on anything when it comes to his level of performance and the way he tries to adapt to the tactics and what the coaches are asking of him,” said Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi after Shalulile had netted a brace, including the winner in extra time, in the 3-2 Nedbank Cup last-32 victory over Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday.

“The physical exertion that he puts into the match and the commitment that he gives you is the epitome of what you would want to have,” added Mngqithi.

“Ideally you want to have more Peter Shaluliles in the team and at Sundowns we have got more players like that, who are relentlessly trying to do the best for the team. In terms of his scoring rate, more than anything, I appreciate the fact that he is not selfish.”

Shalulile has been one of the most consistent performers this season, having had a hand in 10 goals in the DStv Premiership – six goals and four assists – while he has also bagged another three in other competitions.

“He is trying to repay the confidence the president has shown in him, by investing so much money in making sure that we got him,” said Mngqithi.

“He may not really a refined striker, he still makes some elementary technical mistakes, but you can live with those mistakes because he gives you his heart.”