Sundowns’ Tashreeq Matthews, buoyed by Bafana breakthrough, shuts out the noise

The MTN8 final between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday comes at the right time for Tashreeq Matthews.

The Brazilians attacker goes into Saturday’s clash buoyed by his long-awaited Bafana Bafana debut in the 1-0 international friendly win over Egypt in Cairo last weekend.

Matthews, who has a complicated relationship with Sundowns’ supporters, was continuously ignored by former Bafana coach Hugo Broos, but his recognition by successor Pitso Mosimane in a call-up for last week’s international window is a major confidence boost.

Matthews is one of coach Miguel Cardoso’s key players together with fellow attackers Iqraam Rayners, Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales, Cassius Mailula, Brayan León, Siyanda Ndlovu, Antonio van Wyk and Kutlwano Letlhaku.

Cardoso’s front line will be up against a Pirates defence chosen from Lebone Seema, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Sbangani Zulu, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Deon Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Sundowns attacker Tashreeq Matthews on how he handles pressure. pic.twitter.com/tu66ldFa9m

“I am grateful and motivated but I just like to continue from where I was before going to camp with Bafana Bafana,” Matthews said, adding that there were no discussions between Sundowns and Pirates players about the final during national team camp.

“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 looking for a record-extending fifth consecutive MTN8 success and the second for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. They are also South Africa’s recent cup kings, having won six in four years. Adding spice to Saturday’s final, the Buccaneers ended Downs’ eight-season run as Betway Premiership champions in their last campaign.

The Brazilians made up for their domestic disappointments by listing their second Caf Champions League trophy, beating Morocco’s AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final. Matthews said Downs are up against a team that also knows how to win big cup finals.

“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.”

"We understand very well the importance of such a game, what is at stake - what exactly it means for the fans." 🏆 🗣️ Coach Miguel Cardoso of @Masandawana speaking ahead this weekend's #MTN8 Final pic.twitter.com/uZs9PON2Zj

Matthews has been ever-present in Sundowns’ line-up under coach Cardoso. Many supporters who are not convinced by the penetrative winger’s qualities have voiced their concern over this, labelling Matthews a coach’s pet. The player spoke about how he deals with the noise and stinging criticism.

“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.