Doc Khumalo backs Tashreeq Matthews to bring surprise factor to Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo believes Tashreeq Matthews can provide an unpredictable edge during the team’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The 26-year-old forward has received his first Bafana Bafana call-up for the Group D qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea. South Africa will also play Egypt in an international friendly in October.

Matthews has been a key contributor to Mamelodi Sundowns’ success, particularly last year when the club won their second CAF Champions League title.

He has made an impact again this season, scoring two goals and providing three assists in eight league appearances. Mamelodi Sundowns have also reached the MTN8 final and won the FIFA Africa-Asian-Pacific Intercontinental Cup.

Speaking on The DNA Podcast, Khumalo described Matthews as a player who can operate beyond the instructions given to him and create opportunities through his direct approach.

“Tashreeq Matthews is a kind of a machine that you put a certain type of a battery, but he has his own,” said Khumalo.

“He will take the battery you give him and replace it with his own. He will come with what we call surprising elements. Your batteries don’t work, he uses his own. That’s one player that doesn’t go back; he comes at you direct.

“You understand what I’m saying, and also, out of three [chances] he will miss one. So, you’ve got a plus, a goal scorer, a goal poacher. When you change from medium block, he’s doing it very well. When you want to maybe go high, he can also do that.”

Khumalo said Matthews’ versatility would allow him to contribute in different tactical systems, whether Bafana Bafana defend in a medium block or press higher up the pitch.

He also highlighted the endurance of Matthews, Yanela Mbuthuma and Teboho Mokoena, while stressing that his assessment was a personal view.

“So, he’s an all-rounder, and what I like also, Tashreeq, [Yanela] Mbuthuma, [Teboho] Mokoena, their endurance capacity is something else,” he said.

“This is my opinion and another person might have a different perspective.

“But what I’ve seen, and we need to give credit where it’s due.”