Sundowns thump Gallants: Shalulile gallops to Nedbank Cup record books with stunning hat-trick

Mamelodi Sundowns secured their place in the Nedbank Cup last eight with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Marumo Gallants, thanks to a superb hat-trick from Peter Shalulile on Thursday at the Free State Stadium.

The Namibian international wrote his name in the record books in becoming the competition's all-time top goalscorer.

He took his tally to 14 goals in 18 appearances, dating back to 2016.

However, the lanky forward only started his scoring spree four years later in February 2020. 

The 29-year-old was still donning the colours of Highlands Park as scored a brace against Uthongathi and then rattling the net against Kaizer Chiefs two weeks later.

The following season, Shalulile switched allegiance as Sundowns lured the prolific striker to Pretoria and with three Nedbank Cup goals already to his name, his goalscoring knack continued.

Shalulile scored four goals in the 2021 Nedbank Cup campaign and added two goals in the 2022, including the scoring in the final against Gallants as Sundowns clinched the title.

In the current Nedbank Cup campaign, Shalulile has taken his goal tally to five in two matches.

Sundowns are favourites to go all the way to the final, giving the Namibian more chances to increase his goalscoring record in the competition.  

1?4? and counting...#NedbankCup https://t.co/CD9kvTXjD4 pic.twitter.com/Ws321TLL8S

Shalulile hat-trick hero

The Brazilians made a solid start to the game, taking the lead in eight minutes when Neo Maema's pinpoint pass found Shalulile, who expertly controlled the ball before slotting it into the bottom corner.

Shalulile then doubled the lead midway through the first half, combining with Themba Zwane on the edge of the box before finishing from close range.

Marumo Gallants pulled one back