Mamelodi Sundowns' Tashreeq Matthews is set to face Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The Brazilian attacker is buoyed by his long-awaited Bafana Bafana debut in the 1-0 international friendly win over Egypt in Cairo last weekend. Matthews has a complicated relationship with Sundowns' supporters, but his recognition by coach Pitso Mosimane is a major confidence boost.
Matthews is one of coach Miguel Cardoso's key players, along with fellow attackers Iqraam Rayners, Nuno Santos, Arthur Sales, Cassius Mailula, Brayan León, Siyanda Ndlovu, Antonio van Wyk, and Kutlwano Letlhaku. The 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 are looking to win the MTN8 title, while Pirates are seeking a record-extending fifth consecutive success.
Matthews has been ever-present in Sundowns' line-up under coach Cardoso, with 76 consecutive matches played for the Brazilians. The 26-year-old attributes his remarkable streak to conditioning and looking after himself. He also credits teammates like Ndlovu, Van Wyk, Sales, and Santos for motivating him to perform at his best.
Matthews spoke about how he handles pressure and criticism from supporters who are not convinced by his qualities, labelling him a coach's pet. He said he usually doesn't look at what the outside world says, focusing on doing his best and helping the team win matches. The player's primary goal is to see the team succeed.
Pirates are the defending champions, having won six cups in four years, and are seeking their second title under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Buccaneers ended Sundowns' eight-season run as Betway Premiership champions in their last campaign. Adding spice to the final, Sundowns made up for their domestic disappointments by winning their second Caf Champions League trophy.
Coach Miguel Cardoso and his Pirates counterpart Ouaddou have players who have been boosted by recent Bafana Bafana performances. Cardoso's side will be up against a Pirates team with experienced players like goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defenders Seema, Kamogelo Sebelebele, winger Oswin Appollis, and striker Yanela Mbuthuma. The match will be crucial for some of Ouaddou's inexperienced players.
Matthews said Sundowns are up against a team that knows how to win big cup finals. He added that the Brazilians just need to go out there and fight, with the team that takes their chances likely to win. The player expressed his gratitude and motivation but emphasized that he wants to continue from where he was before joining the national team.
Key points
- Matthews' Bafana Bafana debut has boosted his confidence ahead of the MTN8 final.
- Sundowns are seeking to win the MTN8 title, while Pirates are looking for a record-extending fifth consecutive success.
- The match will be crucial for some of Pirates' inexperienced players.
