Rulani Mokwena has defended striker Peter Shalulile for his recent dry spell with the DStv Premiership champions.
The 30-year-old frontman has been prolific for the Brazilians since signing from Highlands Park in 2020.
He has 88 goals and 24 assists in 158 games in total, and this term is sitting on 13 goals from 36 matches played, in all competitions.
He most recently netted the winner as Sundowns defeated Royal AM 1-0 in the league encounter on Saturday, as they bid to end the season unbeaten, with just four games left to play.
Mokwena’s side still need to face Royal AM again, Stellenbosch, TS Galaxy and Cape Town City, having won the top-flight title with six games to spare.
Last season Shalulile hit 23 goals from 34 games, and a year earlier he bagged 30 goals, from 45 games, but the Brazilians boss says if one person was allowed some leeway, it was their Namibian striker.
Mokwena said in the Citizen: “If there is someone that is exempt from this Mamelodi Sundowns team from criticism of not scoring goals, it’s Peter Shalulile because the track record speaks for itself.
“I always say this because it is so important and transcends beyond football, every human being wants to feel loved and appreciated. That is not only in the good moments, it’s also in the bad moments and that’s where genuine true love is.
“A player like Peter gives his heart and soul every single day. Even when he doesn’t score, he runs, presses and creates chances for others. These types of players are allowed a couple of days off and you forgive them because the good days far outweigh the bad days.”