Mamelodi Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews says his first appearance for Bafana Bafana has given him a timely lift before Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The 26-year-old featured in the 1-0 international friendly victory over Egypt in Cairo last weekend, having previously been repeatedly overlooked by former Bafana coach Hugo Broos. His selection by successor Pitso Mosimane for the latest international window has provided a significant confidence boost.
Matthews has had a difficult relationship with some Sundowns supporters, who have questioned his performances despite his regular involvement under coach Miguel Cardoso. He has now played 76 consecutive matches for the Brazilians and remains one of Cardoso’s key attacking options alongside Iqraam Rayners, Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales, Cassius Mailula, Brayan Leon, Siyanda Ndlovu, Antonio van Wyk and Kutlwano Letlhaku.
“I am grateful and motivated but I just like to continue from where I was before going to camp with Bafana Bafana,” Matthews said.
He added that Sundowns and Pirates players did not discuss the final while away with the national team, although they acknowledged the meeting when they returned.
“Not really, but when we came back we told each other that we will meet at the weekend. We are motivated to get one over them.”
Pirates are targeting a record-extending fifth successive MTN8 title, as well as a second triumph for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Buccaneers have also established themselves as South Africa’s recent cup specialists, winning six trophies in four years.
The final carries extra significance after Pirates ended Sundowns’ eight-season reign as Betway Premiership champions during the previous campaign. Sundowns responded by winning their second Caf Champions League title, defeating Morocco’s AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final.
Matthews expects another demanding contest against opponents with proven experience in major finals.
“They are defending champions, have a good and strong team and they know how to win this tournament. We just have to go out there and fight and whoever is going to take their chances is probably going to win.”
The winger said he avoids allowing criticism from outside the club to affect him, despite some supporters labelling him a coach’s pet because of his continued selection.
“I usually don’t look at what the outside world says because I don’t want it to affect me. I have been through it, but I always try to do my best and if I score, I score and if I assist, I assist.
“The most important thing for me is to see the team winning matches.”
Matthews credits recovery, conditioning and the encouragement of Ndlovu, Van Wyk, Sales and Santos for helping him maintain his run of appearances.
“When you are not playing a lot of matches, you doubt yourself but it’s all up to you as a player on how you let these things affect you,” he said. “Whether you score or assist, the most important thing is for the team to win games.”
Ouaddou can also call on several players strengthened by recent Bafana involvement, including goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defenders Lebone Seema and Kamogelo Sebelebele, winger Oswin Appollis and striker Yanela Mbuthuma. They featured in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying wins against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the friendly victory over Egypt during Mosimane’s second stint as national coach.
Pirates’ less experienced players, including Seema, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Kabelo Kgositsile, will face a major test. Leadership will be expected from Chaine, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto, Appollis, Makhehlene Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha and Tshepang Moremi.
