Matthews credits recovery routine for remarkable Sundowns run

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews says careful recovery has been the key to his extraordinary run of 76 consecutive appearances for the club.

Matthews has not missed a match through suspension or injury since coming off the bench against Kaizer Chiefs on 13 April 2025. During that period, he has accumulated just over 5000 minutes of football.

The 18-month sequence continued last season, when the lanky winger played in 50 of Sundowns’ matches. He started 38 of those games and made 12 appearances as a substitute, underlining his importance and remarkable consistency for the Tshwane giants.

Matthews has maintained that record this term, featuring in all 12 matches played by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Asked how he had managed to keep playing without interruption, Matthews gave a straightforward answer: “Just recovery.”

He also pointed to the influence of his team-mates, saying the return of several players had helped create a supportive environment within the squad.

“I have other guys like ‘Skwishi’ (Siyanda Ndlovu), Antonio (van Wyk), and Arthur (Sales) also coming back now,” he said.

“Nuno (Santos) is also there, along with other players to always motivate you to always be there and do your best, be it at training or whether you are playing.

“Just whatever you do.”

Matthews said Sundowns’ players encourage one another to maintain their standards, regardless of who is selected to start.

“We also encourage each other to do your best [regardless] of whoever starts so that the team wins,” he added.

The 25-year-old said personal responsibility was just as important as the support provided by his team-mates.

“You also have to look out for yourself,” said Matthews.

“You have to do your recovery and things like that.”

His appearance streak has made him a constant presence for Mamelodi Sundowns, who have relied on his availability across domestic competition and the club’s wider schedule.