Peter Shalulile compares his move to Yanga to Cristiano Ronaldo joining Juventus - 'All I am saying is that I know what I have chosen'
Footballer Peter Shalulile has defended his transfer to the Tanzanian club Yanga, comparing the move to Cristiano Ronaldo's high-profile switch to Juventus. He emphasized his personal choice and the competitive nature of the Tanzanian league.
Why it matters
The transfer highlights the growing investment and competitive profile of East African football leagues.
Yanga beat continental heavyweights like Rhulani Mokwena's Pyramids FC and Nasreddine Nabi's Raja Casablanca to the Namibian marksman's signature. And now, the 32-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns striker has opened up on his decision by comparing his move to that of the global Portuguese icon when he left Real Madrid for Serie A.
Speaking to reporters during his official unveiling in Dar es Salaam this week, the 32-year-old striker dismissed any suggestion that moving to Tanzania represented a step down in quality.
“Leaving South Africa and coming to Tanzania is like Cristiano [Ronaldo] leaving Real Madrid and going to Juventus,” Shalulile told the assembled media.
“So there is no poor league. All I am saying is that I know what I have chosen, and this is a competitive league.
"I have been watching it carefully, and there are top players coming from this country going outside."
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