Namibia’s Brave Warriors received a timely psychological boost ahead of their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers after national captain Peter Shalulile broke the South African Premier League’s all-time scoring record, surpassing the long-standing mark set by Siyabonga Nomvethe.
The national team captain has received widespread praise, including from the Presidency,x which wrote on Facebook: “Congratulations Peter Shalulile, Namibia celebrates with you on becoming the Premier Soccer League’s all-time top goal scorer with 130 goals.
It is a shining example of what hard work, discipline, and determination can achieve. Your success reminds us of the power of sports to inspire, unite, and create opportunities, as envisioned in NDP6. Shalulile has carried the Namibian flag with pride and set the bar high for the next generation of athletes,” read the post.
On Saturday, the former Tura Magic striker etched his name in the history books by converting a penalty to secure a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch, taking his career tally to 130 goals and becoming the league’s all-time top scorer.
The record-breaking feat comes at a critical time, with the Warriors set to face Malawi on Friday and Sao Tome on Tuesday, 9 September.
Namibia currently sits second in the group standings with 12 points, trailing leaders Tunisia by four.
Local pundits believe Shalulile’s milestone could serve as a massive confidence booster for the national team ahead of these crucial matches.
“I hope this milestone boosts his confidence,” said football analyst Shaun Asprila.
“There were unfortunate sentiments that South Africans didn’t want to see him break the record, but now that it’s done, he can focus on scoring more at the international level and taking us to higher heights. Congratulations to him also.”
Asprila also drew parallels with historic South African records. “This achievement is reminiscent of the legendary Doc Hardley.
The flamboyant attacker, who played for Orlando Pirates, Robber Chanties,and Poison Cobra FC, still holds the record for the most goals in a single match in South African football nine goals for Umlazi Citizens against Richmond Stars in the Benson & Hedges knockout cup back in 1976,” he said.
Shalulile’s journey reflects perseverance and consistency. From humble beginnings in Tsumeb to establishing himself at Highlands Park and eventually becoming a talisman for Mamelodi Sundowns, the Namibian forward has consistently delivered at the highest level.
Notably, his record-breaking goal came in his first start of the season.
Nomvethe’s record had stood for almost a decade, symbolising an era of dominance. Shalulile’s accomplishment not only ends that era but also heralds a new one, putting Namibian football firmly on the continental map.
mkambukwe@nepc.com.na