Shalulile to be ready for Pirates clash?

Peter Shalulile seems to be winning the race against time to be ready for selection when Mamelodi Sundowns take on Orlando Pirates in the resumption of the DStv Premiership on Friday afternoon.

Shalulie has been out for a number of games before the Fifa World Cup break, and has since made massive strides to return to Downs firing line.

However, his coach, Rulani Mokwena has hinted that the goal poacher’s inclusion or otherwise, might be a decision he takes in the 11th hour.

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“Peter has been on the pitch for one week and the protocol is that you return to training then return to availability for selection. He has only undergone the first stage of rehabilitation.

We will see, but everything always depends on the individual and his reaction to the program. He has not played any friendly games yet but has been taking part in full-training,” said Mokwena.

“One of the greatest blessings that any coach can ever ask for is a group of players who happen to be good human beings. When you have good people that you work with, it is a lot easier for them to understand what it takes to be part of the organization.

“And to know that they are not the ones who are entertained but they are the entertainers. They understand that, they are professionals and they understand what we have to work for,” Mokwena adds.

Meanwhile, Shalulile’s teammate, Grant Kekana, who has been the mainstay in Masandawana’s backline this season, jokingly said the unusual December schedule played a huge role in the players’ finances, given the culture of spending in Mzansi during the festive season.

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“This December has helped us save money, we are happy to be here,” he chuckled.

“We will just prepare the way we have been preparing for all other games. As the years go, teams improve and Pirates have been on that transition. They have been getting a lot of quality players and they are a lot more motivated. It is always a tough fixture but an entertaining one as well.

“From our side, we always love playing these kinds of games and it is good for the fans because of the rivalry. You can never tell how the game is going to go because Pirates always bring their A-game. We shot ourselves on the foot in the last game we played against them and we are aware that now we have an opportunity to rectify our mistakes,” Kekana added.