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Tashreeq Matthews' unbelievable run of games for Mamelodi Sundowns

Tashreeq Matthews has featured in the last 68 games for Sundowns
Tashreeq Matthews has featured in the last 68 games for Sundowns PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP

With the greatest of respect to him, when you look at the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns squad, you would not think Tashreeq Matthews would be the first name on the teamsheet … but his remarkable run of games suggests he might be.

Ahead of their MTN8 semi-final first leg against Lamontville Golden Arrows on Sunday, left-winger Matthews has featured in every one of the club’s past 68 games, after being an unused substitute for the second leg of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League quarter-final against Tunisian side Esperance in early April 2025.

That is an incredible show of form and fitness over a long period and demonstrates the trust coach Miguel Cardoso has in the 25-year-old former Borussia Dortmund junior.

Fifty-two of his appearances have been as a starter, with 16 off the bench, and in that time he has scored 10 goals and provided nine assists, giving him a total of 19 goal contributions.

The Betway Premiership is never short of drama as Orlando Pirates ended Mamelodi Sundowns' eight-year reign as champions last season. Kaizer Chiefs are hoping to become genuine title contenders again this year. Keep up to date with the latest news, analysis, incredible statistics and more.

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He might have hoped for more than that, and it is something he will look to improve on in the future.

He has appeared in 39 Betway Premiership games in that time, four in the MTN8, a single Carling Knockout tie, three in the Nedbank Cup, 18 in the Champions League and three in the FIFA Club World Cup.

He has certainly had the most joy in the Betway Premiership, where 15 of his 19 goal contributions have come (nine goals, six assists).

The much-publicised drama around Monnapule Saleng has no doubt contributed to Matthews’ run, as the latter is the only other genuine left-wing option in the squad, but has been sidelined by the club over off-field issues.

 

Tashreeq Matthews’ run of consecutive games:

Tashreeq Matthews' statistics in his run
Tashreeq Matthews' statistics in his runFlashscore

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.

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