Peter Shalulile is on the cusp of making history. With just one more goal, the Namibian forward will surpass Siyabonga Nomvethe as the Premier Soccer League’s all-time leading goalscorer across all domestic competitions.
And yet, for all his achievements, a cloud of uncertainty lingers over his future at Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 31-year-old has been a cornerstone of Sundowns’ success in recent seasons — domestically and on the continent. This season alone, his goals have carried the Brazilians through crucial CAF Champions League clashes, including a match-winning strike against Esperance in the semi-final first leg. When the pressure has been at its peak, Shalulile has delivered.
So why then, as his contract nears its expiry, does it feel like his legacy is being treated with hesitation rather than celebration?
The Siya crew understands that teams from North Africa and Saudi Arabia are monitoring the situation closely. Sundowns, by contrast, appear sluggish in solidifying their commitment to a player who could soon become a living legend in South African football.
“It’s strange,” a source close to the situation said. “If you look at the past two CAF games – if it wasn’t for Shalulile, Downs would have been out. And yet, there’s no urgency from the club.”
Therein lies the mystery.
For a player who has broken records, scored crucial goals, led by example, and carried the team’s attack through thick and thin, the silence from the club on his contract is deafening.
Read: Official: Pirates Announce Riveiro Decision
This is not a fringe player. This is the club’s all-time top scorer. This is a striker who embodies everything Mamelodi Sundowns have come to represent over the last half-decade: consistency, hunger, and continental ambition.
While much is often said about evolving team philosophies, fresh recruitment, and forward planning, those principles shouldn’t come at the cost of ignoring one’s best assets. Shalulile isn’t a player of the past—he remains a match-winner in the present.
And that makes one wonder: is Peter Shalulile being undervalued?
Football is full of stories where legends were allowed to fade away quietly, unappreciated until long after they were gone. Sundowns have always prided themselves on being different—pioneers, even. But as this contract situation drags on, it increasingly feels like a chapter from a book football fans have read too many times.
There is, of course, another layer to consider. At 31, this may be Shalulile’s last big contract. Interest from North Africa and the Middle East makes sense financially, and at this point in his career, few would begrudge him for seeking security and respect elsewhere if it isn’t guaranteed at home.
The player himself has not spoken publicly on the matter, but his silence is being filled by growing chatter among fans and insiders alike. Many supporters have voiced their concern, questioning how a club that rewards excellence so highly in other quarters could appear so casual about securing one of the most consistent goal scorers in the PSL’s modern era.
Shalulile’s contributions go beyond goals. He presses, he leads the line with endless running, he brings others into play, and above all, he carries himself with humility. He has never once made noise in the media or agitated for moves—he has simply delivered.
And now, standing on the brink of history, he faces an uncertain future.
Sundowns have a proud tradition of looking after their own. From Hlompho Kekana to Denis Onyango and more recently Themba Zwane. The club has in the past demonstrated loyalty to players who gave everything in the yellow and blue.
But with Shalulile, the delay in action speaks volumes.
Time is ticking, and other clubs are circling. If Sundowns are serious about maintaining their dominance and showing loyalty to one of their most iconic figures, the time to act is now.
Peter Shalulile’s name is about to be etched into the record books forever.
The only question that remains is whether Sundowns will ensure his legacy continues at Chloorkop — or whether another club will be the one to reap the rewards of valuing a modern-day legend.
Mamelodi Sundowns are believed to be in the final stage of negotiations to extend the contract of one of their key midfielders, according to insiders privy to information.
Sources close to the club have indicated that with certain contracts set to expire at the end of the season, the Brazilians are working hard to retain their core players.
READ: Pirates Sign ‘The New Mofokeng’
The insiders added that Sundowns are understood to be offering Aubrey Modiba a three-year extension to his current deal, which would begin in July 2025.
“There are over five, star players whose contracts are coming to an end in June but the talks with Aubrey Modiba are at a promising, advanced stage. It’s believed that they are talking and negotiating for a new three-year contract. Apparently all the involved parties are looking positive and it’s just a matter of time to finalise the deal,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
A second insider stated that despite external interest in Modiba, Sundowns are determined to keep him.
“As much as there has been interest in him, the club is not ready to let him go. You recall that Yanga SC of Tanzania were interested in him? But nothing worked out because the club said he was not for sale. Now they are offering him an extension of three years. That’s good, I believe, and both parties are negotiating it,” the second insider revealed.
READ: What Next For New Royal AM Boss?
The 29-year-old Bafana Bafana defender joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in October 2020 on a five-year contract. With his current deal understood to be ending in June 2025, the proposed extension would lengthen his stay at the club until 2028.
This season, Modiba has featured in many matches and remains a vital part of Sundowns’ squad. In addition to his contributions at club level, he has earned many caps with Bafana Bafana.
Soccer Laduma reached out to Mamelodi Sundowns for comment on the ongoing negotiations but did not receive a response by the time of publishing.
Kaizer Chiefs striker Ashley Du Preez has highlighted the team’s inconsistent performances this season, pointing out that their struggles stem from approaching matches with different mentalities depending on the opponent.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning at the Chiefs Village, ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against Marumo Gallants on Saturday, Du Preez stated that the team often prepares for big games like those against Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates with greater motivation, while lacking the same hunger when facing the so-called “smaller teams.”
READ: Pirates Sign ‘The New Mofokeng’
“It is how we prepare in training, you know. I think each team comes out 200% against us so for us it is to get in the same position or be even more hungrier than the other teams. So, for me it is definitely about the mentality when we go into league games playing against so-called small teams like Golden Arrows, Marumo Gallants, and all that. For us, when we go and play against Sundowns or Pirates we are motivated and we want to win that specific game but then when we face the so-called smaller teams then it is like we don’t match the resilience and hunger for the game,” Du Preez told journalists.
The former Stellenbosch FC striker further emphasized the importance of having a strong Kaizer Chiefs for the league to flourish. He expressed a desire to guide the team back to its glory days.
READ: What Next For New Royal AM Boss?
“We are the biggest team in Africa and every team would like to face Kaizer Chiefs. We would like to compete at the highest level with Stellenbosch, Pirates, and Sundowns who have been there and doing great. I know people would like to see Chiefs as well. You know even the league needs to have a strong Kaizer Chiefs and that’s what we are fighting for as a team and as players,” Du Preez observed.
Amakhosi are currently sitting in eighth place in the Betway Premiership table. They will host Marumo Gallants on Saturday at FNB Stadium, with the match set to kick off at 15:00.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has some big decisions to make with some of his key players currently at risk of missing the Soweto Derby on May 3.
Amakhosi will face rivals Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership in under two weeks, but there are a few players who are just one booking away from missing the crucial encounter.
READ: Motsepe: The Successful Days Of Chiefs Are Coming
Chiefs face Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium this Saturday and there are four players in the team who are currently sitting on three yellow cards.
All of Wandile Duba, Inacio Miguel, Mduduzi Shabalala and Tashreeq Morris are one booking away from being suspended.
Duba has been one of the key players for Amakhosi upfront. With six goals in all competitions this season, Amakhosi would certainly want to have Duba available for both the derby in the Betway Premiership and the following one in the Nedbank Cup final a week later.
READ: Lucas Radebe Opens Up On New Leeds Role
Shabalala is another player who has proven to be a key member of Nabi’s squad, with four goals and two assists this season. He’s been used mostly as a substitute in recent matches, but the player remains important and not having him as an option for the Soweto Derby could be tricky for Nabi.
Morris, who is still waiting for his first Amakhosi goal, is another one who could miss out if he plays against Gallants and gets booked. Miguel has recently been out injured and it remains to be seen if he will be ready to play this weekend, or if they would save him for the derby.
All eyes on the Amakhosi! Click below to bet now.
Kaizer Chiefs face off against Marumo Gallants in a must-win DStv Premiership clash on Saturday afternoon. Will the Glamour Boys bounce back at home? Open a TAB account and bet on Soccer 10, Mega 10 Jackpot, Soccer 13, and more at tab.co.za.
Kaizer Chiefs are keen to retain at least one of their midfielders beyond the current season, and the Siya crew has the latest on his contract situation.
With his loan deal set to end on June 30, Siya sources have now indicated that Amakhosi are believed to be tabling a two-year contract to keep Njabulo Blom at Naturena.
READ: Pirates Sign ‘The New Mofokeng’
This means the South African would have to be bought permanently since he is currently on loan.
Insiders close to the matter added that Chiefs have already presented the midfielder with a deal that could run until June 2027, with an additional one-year option included.
“As for wanting him to stay after his loan is over, that is as good as done. Now the issue will be the new contract and that’s what is believed that the club has offered him, a two-year deal already. We know that the team doesn’t want to lose him and hence the two-year proposal which could run until June 2027. But I believe it has a one-year option as well. So they are working on that now,” the insider told Soccer Laduma.
A second source stated that the player, too, is leaning towards staying at the club, citing a lack of game time at his parent club St. Louis SC in the MLS, and a renewed sense of happiness since returning to Naturena.
READ: What Next For New Royal AM Boss?
“When Bradley Carnell was still the coach, Njabulo enjoyed his football there but after Carnell’s departure things changed and that’s why they loaned him out. And now he is happy at Chiefs and at home, that’s why he apparently also wants to stay at Chiefs. So the two-year offer could be the right choice for both club and player at this point. They have to buy him back from St Louis as his contract there runs until December 2025,” the second insider revealed.
The Soweto-born midfielder, who first broke into Chiefs’ senior team in 2019, made a move to the MLS in 2022, where he played many matches. Since being loaned back to Chiefs this season, the 25-year-old has made a high amount of appearances, prompting Chiefs’ ambition to secure him on a permanent basis.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on this story, but no response was available at the time of publishing.
