Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has praised Namibian striker Peter Shalulile’s work rate and contribution to the Brazilians’ success so far this season.

The Namibia international bagged his 22nd goal in the DStv Premiership during Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 3 May.

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Shalulile is now three goals away from equalling Collins Mbesuma’s long-standing record of 25 goals in a single season and four goals away from setting a new record in the DStv Premiership.

Mngqithi is very proud of what Shalulile has accomplished in this campaign but would like to see him surpass Mbesuma’s record.

“I don’t think he’s that kind of a player that we need to make an extra effort to get him in a good space mentally. I think for one, he is very focused and professional. One player that, maybe more than anything else he needs to be assisted to achieve that, because I don’t even think it’s something that rings in his head that ‘I want to surpass Mbesuma’s record’,” Mngqithi told his club’s official website.

“Peter just wants to play football, he’s committed to his work and when he’s this close, you will wish as a coach that Peter can achieve these ultimate targets because he has done so well thus far.

“How long has it been in the PSL that we’ve had a striker that scores more than 20 goals per season? For him to go as far as maybe matching that record will be very good, because I think he has really served us as Sundowns very well and we are very proud of him.”