Latest news with #PeterShalulile
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns: Balancing flair and resilience in the CAF Champions League final
Mamelodi Sundowns need the likes of Peter Shalulile to show their attacking qialify against Pyramids in the second leg of the CAF Champions League final in Egypt. Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns have some of the best technically gifted players in the country. Their relentless march to an eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title was again evidence of that, as they swept the floor with most teams, losing only three league matches this past campaign. But in the CAF Champions League they showed a different side, which has been a feature of their performances, especially in the knockout stages. Sundowns have shown a dogged determination to be able to scrap when they needed to. In Africa, it hasn't been their sparkling football that has seen them get the results and make their way to the final, but tactical discipline and an appetite to suffer to get the job done. Their two away matches against Esperance in the quarter-final and Al Ahly in the semis were nailbiting affairs, with the team having to keep cool in pressure-cooker environments. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In Tunisia, they protected a 1-0 lead in the second leg after beating Esperance at home in the first leg thanks to a Peter Shalulile strike. In the semis in Egypt, they rallied back from a goal down in the 24th minute to get the winning equaliser in the 90th minute. Their ability to stay composed under pressure, capitalise on late opportunities, and navigate hostile crowds in Tunis and Cairo highlight their mental fortitude. However, heading into Sunday's second leg of their CAF Champions League final against Pyramids in Egypt, they are going to need both their attacking flair and their dogged defensive ability to get the job done and win a second star. It's been nine years since Pitso Mosimane's Sundowns lifted the biggest prize in African club football. Since then, there have been a lot of near misses and heartbreak. There is a strong possibility that the heartbreak could go into a 10th year after Pyramids scored a late, but crucial away goal at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday to go into the second leg with a slight advantage after the 1-1 draw between the two teams.
The Citizen
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Four key Sundowns players to look out for in CAF final
Loftus Versfeld will stage the first leg on Saturday afternoon, before the decisive return fixture in Cairo eight days later. Tebogo Mokoena of Mamelodi Sundowns during a training at Chloorkop in Johannesburg on 23 May 2025 ©AlcheGreeff/BackpagePix There will be a sense of disappointment if Mamelodi Sundowns fail to capture the 2024–25 CAF Champions League title. The Brazilians are tipped as favourites to overcome Egypt's Pyramids FC in a two-legged final. Loftus Versfeld will stage the first leg on Saturday afternoon, before the decisive return fixture in Cairo eight days later. While this marks Pyramids' debut appearance in the prestigious continental final, Sundowns will be contesting their third. ALSO READ: Cardoso promises to stick to Sundowns identity in Champions League final Sundowns first reached the final in 2001, losing to Al Ahly, before lifting the trophy in 2016 under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane. Phakaaathi football journalist Katlego Modiba highlights four key Sundowns players who could be decisive in their pursuit of continental glory. Ronwen Williams The ever-reliable Ronwen Williams has become indispensable for Sundowns. More than just a shot-stopper, he is a leader both on and off the pitch. With club captain Themba Zwane sidelined for much of the season due to an Achilles injury, Williams has taken on the captaincy and led with distinction. The 33-year-old has kept six clean sheets in 11 Champions League appearances this season, anchoring the team's run to the final. A strong showing in goal during the first leg could prove vital to securing a second continental star. Peter Shalulile Sundowns' journey to the final would likely have faltered without the contributions of Peter Shalulile. The Namibian striker has scored three crucial goals en route to the final and consistently steps up when it matters most. In the group stages against Maniema Union, he came off the bench to score the equaliser before forcing an injury-time own goal to seal a dramatic comeback. He also netted the only goal across both legs of the quarter-final clash with Espérance, securing their passage to the semi-finals. Teboho Mokoena Teboho Mokoena is the heartbeat of Sundowns' midfield. Acting as the crucial link between defence and attack, his intelligence and positional awareness allow him to break up opposition play and drive the team forward. Over the past few seasons, Mokoena has established himself as a consistent performer. Now, he is just two matches away from fulfilling the promise he made to club chairman Tlhopie Motsepe when he signed—to help deliver the Champions League title. Grant Kekana Often overlooked, Grant Kekana is a vital figure in Sundowns' defensive unit. He marshals the backline with authority, making it difficult for attackers to get past him. Kekana is rarely beaten in one-on-one situations and is comfortable playing the ball out from the back. ALSO READ: Zwane believes current Sundowns team is better than the class of 2016 Alongside Williams, his calm presence will be crucial in containing Pyramids' danger man, Fiston Mayele. The Congolese striker has already netted eight goals in the tournament, including a semi-final brace that eliminated Orlando Pirates.
IOL News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns are seven points away from a historic Premiership eighth title
There is concern over the fitness of Peter Shalulile, who missed Mamelodi Sundowns Betway Premiership encounter against Cape Town City this past weekend. | Backpagepix Image: Backapgepix As the Betway Premiership nears the end of the season, Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of clinching an unprecedented eighth consecutive title. With just five matches remaining, Sundowns need seven points to secure the championship. The stakes could not be higher as they chase success amid fierce competition from second-placed Orlando Pirates. Currently, Sundowns boast a superior goal difference to Pirates. This means that even a return of six points could seal the title for Miguel Cardoso's side — potentially as early as this Sunday. The pressure is on Pirates to maintain form as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Tuesday. Any dropped points could pave the way for Sundowns to claim the title, especially as they host Chippa United on Wednesday and Stellenbosch on Sunday, with both fixtures set to take place at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Both title contenders — Sundowns and Pirates — face off-field distractions that could impact their focus. Pirates are gearing up for a Nedbank Cup final against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs in Durban on Saturday. This monumental clash may stretch their concentration as they also look to sustain their Premiership title challenge. Sundowns are not without their own distractions, with the looming CAF Champions League final against Egypt's Pyramids FC scheduled at the end of May. With three league fixtures to play before that crucial encounter, the challenge for Sundowns' coaching staff will be to keep the players mentally sharp and physically prepared for the back-to-back games that could define their season. One of the key concerns for Sundowns is the fitness of prolific striker Peter Shalulile, who was conspicuously absent from the squad that played in Cape Town on Saturday evening. Coach Miguel Cardoso explained that the club had opted to rest Shalulile to aid his full recovery. 'When we went to Cairo (for the Al Ahly game), Peter had a small injury that wouldn't take long to heal and allow him to become a part of us again for the long term,' said Cardoso. 'That condition needs a little bit of time, and we decided to prioritise his full recovery rather than bring him on for 20, 15, or 10 minutes and risk his health. We will let him recover, and when he is 100% fine, he will be with us — and that will be pretty soon.' Head coach Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In the background of this title race, the league has undergone a significant shift following the official expulsion of Royal AM from the PSL. The decision has led to the expunging of points from the standings, effectively reducing the season to a 28-match campaign rather than the usual 30. This change adds another layer of complexity to the title race, as clubs adjust to a new points structure that could significantly impact the final standings — particularly for those aiming to secure places in the lucrative Top 8 competition.
The South African
04-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Sundowns reveal the plan for America
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has spoken for the club before the mighty FIFA Club World Cup. As confirmed by FIFA in 2024, Abafana Ba Style will be one of 32 clubs worldwide that have qualified for the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America from 14 June to 134 July. Sundowns are also one of four African clubs to represent the continent at the event, namely Al Ahly, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca, thanks to consistent appearances in the semifinal rounds of the CAF Champions League in the past decade. According to Shalulile, Kabo Yellow will not travel to America to add up the numbers. 'The club's goal is to make sure we make it out of the group stage. That's the target,' the Namibian international was quoted by . 'I expect us to do it, because we don't just go into any competition to make up the numbers, but to be a team where they [the opposition] can also fear us.' 'It's a wonderful feeling [to be at the FIFA Club World Cup]. You're going to see some of the best players, the best teams, and you can also see how good you are. We are excited and ready for that.' Sundowns have been drawn in Group F alongside South Korea's Ulsan HD FC, German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Sundowns at 00:00 from the Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA. Saturday, 21 June: Sundowns vs Dortmund at 18:00 from the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA. Wednesday, 25 June: Sundowns vs Fluminese at 21:00 from the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA. WILL KABO YELLOW ADVANCE TO THE SECOND ROUND? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
What Sundowns want to do at the Club World Cup
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has revealed the club's commitment to compete at the highest level and their determination to majorly impact the global stage. As confirmed by FIFA in 2024, Abafana Ba Style will be one of 32 clubs around the world that have qualified for the newly revamped FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America from 14 June to 134 July. Sundowns are also one of four African clubs to represent the continent at the event, namely Al Ahly, Esperance and Wydad Casablanca, thanks to consistent appearances in the semifinal rounds of the CAF Champions League in the past decade. According to Shalulile, Sundowns will not travel to America to add up the numbers. 'The club's goal is to make sure we make it out of the group stage. That's the target,' the Namibian international was quoted by . 'I expect us to do it, because we don't just go into any competition to make up the numbers, but to be a team where they [the opposition] can also fear us.' 'It's a wonderful feeling [to be at the FIFA Club World Cup]. You're going to see some of the best players, the best teams, and you can also see how good you are. We are excited and ready for that.' Sundowns have been drawn in Group F alongside South Korea's Ulsan HD FC, German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Sundowns at 00:00 from the Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA. Saturday, 21 June: Sundowns vs Dortmund at 18:00 from the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA. Wednesday, 25 June: Sundowns vs Fluminese at 21:00 from the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA. HOW FAR WILL KABO YELLOW GO? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
