Peter Shalulile's once bright light has gone dim this season as the Mamelodi Sundowns forward has been going through a rough patch. Shalulile is known to be a goal machine, having claimed three Premier Soccer League golden boots, but this term, he looks unlikely to defend his crown.

Shalulile's confidence is down, especially after he missed a penalty in a recent game, which compounds from his misfiring at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where he was dismal up front for Namibia.

Here, GOAL examines whether the glory days of 'Sha-Sha' and his dominance as the leading striker in the PSL has come to an end, or, is there some light at the end of the tunnel?

Age is actually not just a number

Unless you are playing chess, age is always going to be a factor in any contact and physically taxing sport. More often than not in football, when a player is on the other side of 30, their performance slows down as a sign of decline.

Shalulile is not immune to this. The Downs striker turned 31 this March and has not looked like the shadow of his former self, even once.

It could be that the decline of Shalulile is coming a lot sooner than expected, which comes as a shock, given how fit he looks. If there is anything one cannot stand in the way of, it is time.

Perhaps Sundowns fans should accept the reality that the golden-boot winning days of 'Sha-Sha' are now behind him.

Injuries, every player's dreaded reality

Injuries have forced many players to call it time prematurely. Former Arsenal star, Jack Wilshere had to retire at the age of 30 after countless injuries that dimmed his once-bright potential.

In South Africa, ex-Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper, Brilliant Khuzwayo was forced to retire before making an official appearance for Orlando Pirates, due to injuries.

Some players, however, can soldier on, playing with recurring and regular injuries, like Rivaldo Coetzee. It works for others and not so much for some.

For Shalulile, a player who is not used to being in the casualty room, to be subjected to some injuries of late, has spelled the end of him.

Mokwena's support, a big bonus

It is always great to have a coach who will support you when you are at your lowest, and Rhulani Mokwena has been at the corner of Shalulile from the first day the Namibian star got out of form.

Time and time again, the Sundowns mentor has praised his players for allowing Shalulile to take penalties as an attempt to restore his confidence.

Shalilule was given that chance in a recent match against Stellenbosch FC but he ballooned his efforts over the bar.

Even so, he went on to show support to Shalulile after the match, which speaks about Mokwena's maturity and closeness to the players, who presumably take him as an elder brother kind of figure.

Afcon no-show

When Namibia qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Shalulile and Orlando Pirates' Deon Hotto headlined the squad as 'Sha-Sha' was named the captain of the team.

A lot was expected from Shalulile as this was a test for him to prove himself on the grandest international stage on the continent.

Shalulile has showcased his talent in the Caf Champions League where he scored a total of 15 goals and has made light-weight of the PSL where he holds the record of having three golden boots.

However, In four games at the Afcon, Shalulile could not hit form as he drew blanks. His no-show in such a big tournament dealt a huge blow to his already limping form and the consequences of that are showing in his game today.

Disappointing numbers

Shalulile has always been among the front runners for the PSL Golden Boot award, even from his days at Highlands Park, where he bagged his maiden gong - the ex-Highlands Park player would always raise his hand.

Last season, he finished on 12 league goals and shared the gong with Cape Town City's Khanyisa Mayo. However, Shalulile has been living under the shadow of Downs teammate Lucas Ribeiro, who is sitting on 12 goals in the heated race for the Golden Boot.

Shalulile, on the other hand, has played 31 games across all competitions and returned 10 goals. In the league, he is not in the conversation for the Player of the Season and has eliminated himself from being the top goalscorer, given the terrific form of Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa and Stellies' Iqraam Rayners.

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