Tashreeq Matthews unfazed by criticism ahead of MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews says he refuses to let outside criticism affect him as he prepares for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 26-year-old has been a constant presence for Sundowns. He played in all 50 of the club’s matches last season and has featured in every game so far this campaign.

Matthews is therefore expected to be involved again when Sundowns face Pirates, with the winger showing no indication that his demanding run of appearances is slowing down.

He believes his ability to block out external noise has been helped by the backing of a coach who trusts him.

“For me, I don’t really look at what the outside world says. You see it, of course, but I don’t let it affect me. I’ve been through that before. I don’t let it affect me,” Matthews told the media at Chloorkop this week.

“I just continue, I do my best. If I score, I score. If I assist, I assist. For me, the most important thing is the team winning and doing well.”

Matthews said players must decide for themselves how they respond to criticism and the pressure that comes with regular selection.

“It’s always fantastic when you are playing. If you are not playing, you can get some doubt into your head,” he said.

“It’s all up to you as a person and as a player, how you let these things affect you. But if you don’t, then you will continue training and working hard and doing your best.”

He added: “As long as you are working hard and keeping yourself motivated, that’s the most important thing.”

The winger was also recently included in the Bafana Bafana squad, an experience that should provide further encouragement as he continues to work hard and perform for Sundowns.

Saturday’s final offers Matthews an important stage on which to make an impression. The meeting with Orlando Pirates is expected to attract an audience of millions, increasing the attention on both teams and their key players.

But Matthews remains focused on the collective objective rather than personal recognition, insisting that his priority is helping Sundowns win and perform well in the final.