Peter Shalulile has never been one to shy away from big stages, and with Mamelodi Sundowns preparing for their long-awaited return to the CAF Champions League final and their debut at the new-look FIFA Club World Cup, the Namibian striker is relishing the chance to leave a mark on the global game.
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Having already played a key role in Sundowns’ continental run, Shalulile now has his sights set on doing something few players from southern Africa have achieved—scoring at a Club World Cup. Speaking in a candid interview with FIFA, the 31-year-old opened up about what the opportunity means to him personally, as well as for the team as a whole.
“Well, when it comes to strikers, you are never satisfied. You want to score goals. Every day, you just want to score goals,” he said.
“Even on all my off days, I just feel like there is something missing because I just want to put the ball in the net! Showcasing my talent on that level is another massive thing because you will be going into the history books – that there was this player from Namibia, from Sundowns, who scored in a Club World Cup.”
Shalulile’s hunger has been a driving force behind Sundowns’ domestic and continental dominance, and his excitement to test himself against the world’s best is palpable.
“It’s a wonderful feeling. You’re going to see some of the best players, the best teams, and you can also see how good you are. We are excited and ready for that. Thousands of people are going to be there. I know there will be butterflies in my stomach, but eventually they will go away.”
For Sundowns, who have made it clear that they want to establish themselves among the best clubs in the world, the Club World Cup is more than just a participation trophy. It's a proving ground.
“The club’s goal is to make sure we make it out of the group stage. That’s the target. I expect us to do it, because we don’t just go into any competition to make up the numbers, but to be a team where the opposition can also fear us,” Shalulile added.
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