Mamelodi Sundowns recently signed ‘Will I fit in’ with the all-star Masandawana team is the key question Matthews poses.
Along with Zuko Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel, and Thembinkosi Lorch, the club also signed Matthews from Swedish team IK Sirius. Matthews joined the Brazilians in January.
The 23-year-old joins a star-studded midfield that includes Marcelo Allende, Bongani Zungu, Gaston Sirino, Neo Maema, Lorch, and Esquivel. Matthews has asked himself if he would fit in that midfield because he is aware of what lies ahead of him.
“Yes, I spoke with him two or three days prior to joining, and I enjoyed our lovely conversation about how I feel and how he feels,” Matthews said to iDiski Times. “And it taught me some lovely lessons as well. It’s a determining factor, of course, and such.
Will I fit in, though, is also a concern for me. As you mentioned, I’ve watched a number of games. In fact, I saw Sundowns vs. Cape Town City when I was in Cape Town [in December].
“And I also watched some Sundowns games on my phone or iPad, and I enjoyed the football they played! It’s fun to watch them!
LARGER PICTURE
Many highly regarded players have come to Chloorkop but have found it difficult to become regulars.
Even when healthy, players like Gift Motupa, Aubrey Ngoma, Thabiso Kutumela, and Surprise Ralani were minor players who played infrequent roles. Most notably, during the previous term, Andile Jali was dissatisfied because he was frozen out when he was performing at his best.
Matthews needs to buck that tendency and establish himself as a vital member of Rhulani Mokwena’s team.
MATTHEWS: WHAT COMES NEXT?
On Saturday, Masandawana will host Orlando Pirates as they continue their pursuit of the Premier Soccer League championship.
Matthews would be eager to make an impression and open doors for himself if he were to be chosen to play.