Cardoso explains Shalulile’s omission from starting XI

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Peter Shalulile of Mamelodi Sundowns getting instruction from Miguel Cardoso, Head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns during the Betway Premiership 2024/25 match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria on 02 February 2025 © Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained his decision to bring on striker Peter Shalulile in the first half of their win over Golden Arrows.

The Namibian striker was brought on in the 37th minute to replace Sphelele Mkhulise and got his name on the scoresheet in their 4-0 victory over Arrows.

The victory sees Sundowns extend their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership standings to six points over second placed Orlando Pirates.

Sundowns will be hoping to continue their fine form in the league when they face SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Cardoso explained that leaving Shalulile out of the starting line up had nothing to do with his recent performances for the club but was a tactical decision.

“We had to change something because the approach of the game of the opponent it was not exactly what we expected so we needed to give an answer to what was happening in the pitch, it my job as a coach to read and try to help as much as possible,” Cardoso explained on SuperSport.

“Peter has been playing very well, it’s not because of nothing that he didn’t start today, it’s because we need to manage players according to the schedule and we knew that he could bring energy on the pitch, he brought that.

“Obviously playing with two strikers is not the same as playing with one and at that moment we could make damage and then second half we needed to reorganize the team again, according to what was happening.

“So many different approaches tactically on the game but we succeeded, congratulations to the boys.”