Tashreeq Matthews eyes glory as Mamelodi Sundowns chase CAF Champions League crown

Mamelodi Sundowns man Tashreeq Matthews believes the risk of giving up European football for a homecoming in South Africa could soon yield the ultimate reward – continental glory.

The Brazilians winger was a marquee signing when he joined the reigning Premiership champions in January last year.

 A hefty R30 million fee was enough to pry him away from Swedish side IK Sirius, and while there was interest from other European clubs, Matthews chose Chloorkop over staying abroad.

Now, 18 months later, he stands on the brink of becoming a CAF Champions League winner.

“Yeah, I mean coming back was a difficult decision. But at the end of the day, coming back to the best team in South Africa and winning trophies, and just now that we are in the CAF final as well, the Champions League final,” Matthews said ahead of Saturday’s first leg of the final against Pyramids FC at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria (3pm kick-off).

“It says a lot and winning trophies. In Europe I didn’t win any trophies beside individual awards, but now I’m winning trophies together with the team.”

Matthews, 24, endured a challenging start to life at Sundowns. 

Adjusting to the more physical and fast-paced nature of the PSL took time, but the former Ajax Cape Town academy graduate now looks comfortable in the colours of a side that demands excellence week in and week out.

He has also found a way to leverage his smaller frame to his advantage, especially in the often bruising battles of continental football.

“It’s not just me, there’s a lot of footballers that have my structure,” he said.

“It depends on how you use your body.

“Of course, sometimes it comes to a disadvantage, but I mean if you are in the possession of the ball, you have an advantage at the end of the day because if you just know how to use your body, you have all the advantage because you are in possession of the ball as well.”

Sundowns will face Egyptian giants Pyramids in the first leg of the CAF Champions League final at Loftus Stadium on Saturday – a clash that could define their season.

The Chloorkop-based club have already secured back-to-back league titles, but their continental ambition remains a burning priority.

Matthews knows finals come with their own script, but he’s confident in the DNA of this Sundowns side.

“The finals, it’s a different game, it can go anyway at the end of the day. If it’s your turn to win, you will win,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, it also depends on what happens on the day, and I think as Sundowns, you are expected to win every game, every final.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly as well, you want to win every time and sometimes, it doesn’t go your way.”

For Matthews, that desire to win – and to belong to a club that expects nothing less – has made the gamble of returning home worthwhile.

The CAF Champions League crown would be a fitting reward.