Shalulile’s agent confirms Young Africans deal length and player-controlled option

Peter Shalulile’s representative has confirmed the Namibia striker has signed a two-year contract with Young Africans, with an option for a third season that can be triggered solely by the player.

Jakes Amaning, who represents the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward, clarified the terms of the agreement after conflicting reports emerged over the length of Shalulile’s stay with the Tanzanian champions.

Speaking to the Siya crew, Amaning said Young Africans and Shalulile had agreed an initial two-year deal, with a further year available if the player chooses to extend.

“It’s a two-year contract with an option for a third year, and the option belongs to Peter. If he wants to continue after the two years, then the contract can run for a third season,” Amaning explained.

Player security at heart of decision

Amaning said the structure of the contract was a decisive factor in Shalulile’s choice to join Young Africans ahead of other offers on the table.

He stressed that the package in Tanzania gives the 31-year-old long-term financial security rather than chasing the highest possible salary over a shorter period.

“When you look at football, you also have to think about the player’s future. A club can offer a very high salary for one season, but if the player suffers a serious injury or things don’t go according to plan, that opportunity is gone,” he said.

“In Peter’s case, we looked at the bigger picture. A longer contract gives him stability and guarantees his earnings over a longer period. When you add up what he will earn across the deal, it made more sense than accepting a shorter contract elsewhere.

“Financially, Young Africans went above and beyond to make sure Peter was well looked after because they wanted a striker of his quality.”

Shalulile recently chose Young Africans ahead of four other offers, with Amaning indicating that the combination of contract length, security and belief in the player’s abilities proved decisive.

Long-standing admiration from Young Africans president

Amaning also revealed that Young Africans president Hersi Ally Said had been tracking Shalulile for several years before finally securing his signature.

“The club president has been a big admirer of Peter for a long time. I think he told Peter three or four years ago that one day he would do everything possible to bring him to Young Africans because the club and its supporters really appreciated him,” Amaning said.

“When the opportunity finally came, he made sure it happened. It was something he had wanted for a long time.”

New chapter after Sundowns success

The clarification over the contract length brings an end to speculation around how long Shalulile is set to remain in Tanzania following his move from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The experienced forward, who enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with the South African club, will now begin a new phase of his career with the Tanzanian giants under a deal that could run for up to three seasons, depending on his decision to activate the final-year option.