Former Orlando Pirates and Brave Warriors striker Rudolf Bester believes high-flying striker Peter Shalulile can break Collins Mbesuma’s long-standing record of 35 goals in a PSL season.
Last season, Shalulile scored 22 goals for Mamelodi Sundowns, but this season, he has already surpassed that with over a month of football still to play.
The in-form Namibian was again on target Wednesday when he scored a hat-trick against Moroka Swallows, which saw his tally move up to 24 goals thus far this season.
Mbesuma holds the record for the most goals scored in a single campaign, following his 25 goals for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2004–05 season.
Shalulile’s goals took him to 46 goals for Sundowns, just four goals shy from hitting the 50-goal mark for his Tshwane outfit, which he joined before the beginning of last season.
Asked about Shalulile’s impressive run this season, Bester told New Era Sport the possibility is there, if he continues to work hard.
“I think with football, the more you score, the more you get the confidence. So, I believe him surpassing that record is possible. This is if he continues working hard towards his goal of reaching that milestone,” he said.
“He shouldn’t put pressure on himself though, but focus on the main goal of reaching his goal. I know it won’t be an easy task, given the pressure that the league has, but I still trust and believe he can do it.”
In terms of consistency at that level, the 38-year-old retired striker said he believes Shalulile, affectionately known as Sha Sha, knows what he is there for, and should remain professional and focused on his duty. “The focus and hard-working persona have helped him remain consistent for a very long time,” he added. The prolific Shalulile and his team are expected back on the field tomorrow when they face Summerfield Dynamos in the Nedbank Cup semifinals at 18h00.
– Additional reporting by Soccer Laduma