Peter Shalulile explains decision to join Young Africans

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile says a long-standing relationship with Young Africans president Hersi Ally Said and a period of prayer influenced his decision to join the Tanzanian club during the current transfer window.

The Namibia forward ended his six-year spell with Sundowns at the conclusion of last season, bringing to a close a highly successful period with the Tshwane club. Shalulile made 228 appearances for Sundowns, scoring 107 goals and providing 27 assists.

Following his departure, Shalulile held talks with Said about the possibility of moving to Young Africans, also known as Yanga. The club president had previously told the striker that he hoped to sign him for the Tanzanian giants one day.

Shalulile said that conversation became an important part of his decision-making process. After reflecting on his next move and praying about the opportunity, he concluded that joining Young Africans was the right path.

“It was a little bit tough, but what made it easy for me was I met the chairman a few years ago,” said Shalulile.

“And he had a dream that I’ll one day play for this big club which is Yanga. For me also, it was a personal choice.

“I make decisions based on how my heart feels. Spiritually, it means follow where your heart wants you to be.

“When we spoke with chairman, we spoke and I said give me like two days. I prayed about it and obviously the Lord made it possible for me and I ended up here.”

Shalulile’s move brings an end to his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, where his performances established him as one of the club’s leading attacking players during his six seasons in Tshwane.

His record at Sundowns included more than 100 goals and 27 assists across 228 appearances, underlining the scale of his contribution before he chose to continue his career with Young Africans.

The transfer was completed after his discussions with Said and the short period in which Shalulile considered the offer. He said the president’s earlier ambition to see him play for Yanga, combined with his own personal and spiritual convictions, made the decision easier.

Young Africans will now have the Namibia international in their squad after securing the former Sundowns striker during the current transfer window. For Shalulile, the move represents the outcome of a choice guided by both his relationship with the club’s president and his belief that the transfer was where he was meant to be.