Highlands Park’s Peter Shalulile is hoping to finish off the season on a high note after an impressive second half in the National First Division (NFD).
The talisman scored 13 of their 56 goals that saw the Lions of the North clinching automatic promotion back to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Shalulile endured a distraught six-month injury that saw him ruled out for the first stanza of the campaign.
However, having worked his way back to full fitness in the last four months, the talisman has his eyes set on the NFD golden boot accolade.
“As a player, prior to my achievements this season, I would like to take the top goal scorer award,” Shalulile said during their training session on Thursday.
“I would like to break records in the next upcoming games”.
Shalulile will have to continue with his scoring spree in their dead-rubber match against Mthatha Bucks this afternoon, who are currently bottom of the log in this the second tier division of the PSL.
After managing only one goal in Highlands Park’s maiden season in elite football two seasons ago, the 24-year-old knows that in the next campaign he’ll have to do better.
“My targets in the PSL are the same as this season,’’ Shalulile said. “I want us to play as a team and win as a team as well. Personally I’ll push more, and who knows I might take the top goal scorer award.”
Shalulile trails the league’s all-time top goal scorer Phumelele Bhengu by nine goals.
After Bhengu’s remarkable display in the NFD, he went on to sign for Supersport United, but eventually – like a good many other marksmen from the second tier division – he failed to live up to the expectations.
However Shalulile is confident that he'll have a prolonged stay in the Tembisa-based club where he hopes to make a mark for himself in top flight football.
“I am happy where I am,” he said. “If another team shows interest in my services, I’ll tell them that I prefer staying here. We’ve grown as a team and I am not willing to break that chain. My ultimate desire, though, is to one day play overseas”
Shalulile went on to laud partner striker Moeketsi Sekola: “He’s been a great addition to the team. He’s experienced, so he's taught me a lot and I enjoy playing alongside him."