Downs star: Overwhelmed & crazy

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews is appreciative of that his first ever full-on season concluded with the joy of success in the CAF Champions League.

Matthews featured in all 50 matches played by Sundowns through the 2025/26 season.

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The gloss was that he provided the assist for the goal by Teboho Mokoena on Sunday which made the difference through a season in which he had 38 starts plus 12 substitute appearance.

"It was really fantastic to get another star and be an African champion," says Matthews.

"About the assist, last year I missed an opportunity and this year I got an assist to score an important goal for us to clinch the title.

"I’m overwhelmed, crazy, it is something that doesn’t happen, not everyone can get it.

"It is very difficult to get it so I’m very fortunate and grateful to be able to win the Champions League trophy," he says ahead of the friendly match against German club RB Leipzig.

Matthews spent time in Germany and is familiar with the language so will have memories as he comes up against the Bundesliga club at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday (20h00).

“I wasn’t there very long but the experience I got was fantastic and out of this world.

"At least I can speak the language and very physical and very tactical in terms of the German playing style which is one of their strengths if you look at their national team as well.

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"But German, very tactical and physical in terms of their playing style so just looking forward to it.

"It is going to be a nice game," says Matthews.