Mamelodi Sundowns determined to end Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 reign, says Tashreeq Matthews

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Tashreeq Matthews says his side are determined to stop Orlando Pirates from winning a fifth consecutive MTN8 title when the teams meet in Saturday’s final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Orlando Pirates have dominated the competition for the past four years and will arrive as defending champions. Sundowns, meanwhile, are seeking their first MTN8 triumph since 2021.

Matthews acknowledged the strength and experience of their opponents but said Sundowns were motivated to challenge their authority in the competition.

“Very good and strong team, they are the defending champions and they have been doing well. They know how to win this MTN8,” Matthews said.

“We will try to do our best and at the end of the day, whoever is going to take their chances is going to win.”

The final brings together several players who were recently team-mates with Bafana Bafana. Matthews made his international debut on Sunday as South Africa defeated Egypt, and he hopes to carry that positive momentum into the meeting with Orlando Pirates.

“I’m very grateful and motivated as well and I just want to continue from where I was before I went to play for Bafana,” he said.

The players from both clubs did not discuss the final in detail during the international camp, although they acknowledged that they would face each other once they returned to domestic action.

“We [Sundowns and Pirates players] didn’t talk about it [the final], when we were coming back at the end of the camp we said we will see one another at the weekend,” Matthews said.

He added that spending time together while on international duty had increased Sundowns’ desire to claim victory.

“We are really motivated, we were together at Bafana camp and we were around one another, and this has motivated us to get a victory.”

Matthews focused on team success

The 26-year-old has faced criticism from supporters over his consistency and finishing, as well as claims that he receives preferential treatment when the starting line-up is selected.

Sundowns manager Miguel Cardoso has firmly rejected suggestions that he favours the midfielder. Matthews said the outside criticism did not influence his approach.

“For me, I don’t really look at what the outside world says, you see if off course, but I don’t let it affect me. I’ve been through that before,” he said.

“So, I don’t let that affect me. I do my best; if I score, it’s fine, if I assist, it’s cool. But for me, the most important thing is for the team to do well and win.”