Tashreeq Matthews aims to silence critics in MTN8 final

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Tashreeq Matthews says his long-awaited Bafana Bafana debut has given him added confidence ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 26-year-old made his first appearance for South Africa in the 1-0 international friendly win over Egypt in Cairo last weekend, after being repeatedly overlooked by former Bafana coach Hugo Broos. His call-up by successor Pitso Mosimane for the latest international window has provided a significant boost.

Matthews is among coach Miguel Cardoso’s main 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 seeking a record-extending fifth successive MTN8 title, as well as a second triumph in the competition for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Buccaneers have also won six domestic cups in four years and ended Sundowns’ eight-season reign as Betway Premiership champions in their most recent campaign.

Sundowns responded to that disappointment by winning their second Caf Champions League title, defeating Morocco’s AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final.

Matthews expects a difficult contest against opponents with a proven record in major cup matches.

“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 attacker has started every match for Sundowns under Cardoso, a run that has frustrated some supporters. Critics have questioned his continued selection and labelled him a coach’s pet, but Matthews said he tries not to let outside opinion influence him.

“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 has played 76 consecutive matches for Sundowns, which he attributes to recovery, conditioning and the support of teammates including Ndlovu, Van Wyk, Sales and Santos.

He said regular football could strengthen a player’s confidence, while time out of the team should be met with continued hard work in training.

Pirates will also draw on players who represented Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victories over Guinea and Eritrea, plus the win against Egypt. They include goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defenders Lebone Seema and Kamogelo Sebelebele, winger Oswin Appollis and striker Yanela Mbuthuma.

Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deon Hotto and Sebelebele are among the defensive options, while less experienced players including Thapelo Mokobodi, Simphiwe Selepe, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Kabelo Kgositsile will face a demanding test.

Chaine, Sibisi, Hotto, Appollis, Makhehlene Makhaula, Thalente Mbatha and Tshepang Moremi will be expected to provide leadership on and off the pitch.