Harambee Stars could be among the beneficiaries of the fitness issues facing Namibian striker Peter Shalulile ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
Namibia will take on Cameroon on Saturday before facing Kenya in South Africa next Tuesday but are still not sure if the Mamelodi Sundowns attacker will be fit to play as he is yet to shake off an injury.
His availability is crucial for Namibia given his knack for scoring goals in crucial matches and he also allows them to play a high pressing game.
“We are still trying to see the best possible outcome. He’s our top man and will do everything to get fit and hungry for the game,” Namibia’s team doctor said on Tuesday.
Shalulile was a second half substitute as Mamelodi Sundowns lost 1-0 to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 semi-final on Sunday but sustained a knock which has left the national team sweating over his availability.
The Sniper, as he is popularly known, is with the squad but coach Collin Benjamin is considering the possibility of playing youngster Fares Haidula if he is not fit enough to play.
However, there remains confidence that he will be involved, which will be a boost ahead of the Brave Warriors’ clash with Kenya at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Shalulile, who is also Namibia’s captain, has scored 16 goals in 53 games for his country and was a key part in their qualification journey to AFCON 2023 where they reached the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
