Mamelodi Sundowns Winger Tashreeq Matthews Opens Up on Handling Criticism: “I Don’t Really Look at What the Outside World Says”

Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews has explained how he deals with criticism and maintains his focus while playing for one of Africa’s biggest football clubs. The 26-year-old attacker understands that performing for the Brazilians comes with high expectations, constant scrutiny and pressure to deliver consistent results. However, he insists that outside opinions do not determine his approach to the game, as he remains focused on improving his performances and helping his team win. Matthews believes that scoring goals and providing assists are important contributions, but collective success remains his main priority. His comments come as Sundowns prepare for a major domestic showdown against Orlando Pirates, with both clubs competing for silverware and the opportunity to strengthen their positions in South African football.

Matthews has made it clear that he does not allow criticism from supporters, pundits or social media users to dictate how he approaches his career. The winger acknowledged that players inevitably become aware of public opinion, particularly when they represent a club with the profile and ambitions of Mamelodi Sundowns. However, he explained that hearing criticism does not mean he has to let it affect his confidence or decision-making. “For me, I don’t really look at what the outside world says. You see it, of course, but I don’t let it affect me. I’ve been through that before,” Matthews said when discussing his approach. His comments highlight a preference for concentrating on his responsibilities as a professional footballer rather than becoming distracted by reactions outside the club.

The Sundowns attacker also explained that he measures his contribution through his work on the pitch and the team’s overall results. He acknowledged that scoring goals and creating opportunities are important aspects of his role, but he does not view individual statistics as the ultimate measure of success. “I don’t let it affect me. I just continue. I do my best. If I score, I score. If I assist, I assist,” he said. Matthews added that the most important thing for him is seeing the team win and perform well. This approach reflects the demands of playing for Sundowns, where individual talent must contribute to the club’s broader objectives in domestic competitions and on the continental stage.

Playing for Mamelodi Sundowns means operating under intense scrutiny throughout the season. The club has established itself as a major force in South African football and regularly faces high expectations from its supporters. Players are assessed on their performances, consistency and ability to contribute when the team needs them most. A difficult run of form can attract criticism, while strong performances often bring praise and increased attention. Matthews’ approach suggests that he understands the importance of separating public reaction from the daily work required to improve as a footballer.

Consistency has been an important part of Matthews’ contribution to Sundowns. According to the supplied report, the winger featured in all 50 of the club’s fixtures during the previous season, demonstrating a high level of availability across a demanding campaign. Maintaining that level of involvement requires players to manage training, recovery and match preparation carefully. It also gives a footballer more opportunities to build relationships with teammates and develop a clearer understanding of the coach’s tactical expectations. While regular selection is never guaranteed, Matthews’ reported record of appearances highlights his involvement in the team’s campaign and the importance of maintaining his standards.

The winger has also discussed the challenge of staying motivated when he is not selected to play. Competition for places is particularly strong at a club like Sundowns, where the squad includes players competing for opportunities in several positions. Matthews acknowledged that spending time outside the starting lineup can lead to doubts, but he believes each player is responsible for deciding how to respond. “It’s always fantastic when you are playing,” he explained. “If you are not playing, you can get some doubt into your head. It’s all up to you as a person and as a player, how you let these things affect you.” His comments underline the importance of maintaining a professional attitude even when opportunities become limited.

Matthews believes that hard work and self-motivation are essential for players who want to overcome difficult periods. Rather than becoming discouraged by a lack of playing time, he encourages a continued commitment to training and personal improvement. “But if you don’t, then you will continue training and working hard and doing your best. As long as you are working hard and keeping yourself motivated, that’s the most important thing,” he said. This attitude can help players remain prepared when opportunities arise, especially during a long season in which injuries, suspensions and tactical changes can affect team selection. For Matthews, staying ready appears to be more important than allowing disappointment to interfere with his preparation.

The ability to manage criticism is particularly relevant as Sundowns prepare to face Orlando Pirates in a high-profile domestic encounter. Both clubs attract substantial attention from supporters and the wider South African football community, making their meetings important occasions for players and coaches. Matthews will need to focus on his tactical responsibilities, movement in attack and contribution to the team’s overall structure if selected to play. Matches between leading Premier Soccer League sides can place individual performances under the spotlight, particularly when the result has implications for a major trophy. His stated approach suggests that he intends to concentrate on his role rather than become distracted by expectations surrounding the fixture.

As a winger, Matthews can influence a match through his ability to create chances, deliver crosses, combine with teammates and make dangerous runs into attacking areas. These responsibilities require concentration and sound decision-making, particularly against opponents who can punish mistakes during transitions. Criticism can become distracting when players focus too heavily on public reactions instead of the details of their performance. By prioritising his work and the team’s success, Matthews aims to maintain the consistency required at a club with Sundowns’ ambitions. His contribution will ultimately be assessed through his performances and how effectively he helps the team achieve its objectives.

Matthews’ comments also offer insight into the importance of a supportive working environment in professional football. While public opinion can change quickly, players spend much of their time working with coaches, teammates and other club staff who understand their responsibilities and development needs. Constructive feedback from the coaching staff can help identify areas for improvement, while consistent training allows players to address weaknesses and refine their strengths. Matthews’ focus on continuing to work hard suggests that he values the process of improvement rather than relying on outside approval. This distinction matters because ignoring unhelpful criticism does not mean rejecting useful feedback that can make a player more effective.

For Mamelodi Sundowns, keeping players focused remains important as the club competes for domestic honours and seeks to maintain its standing in African football. The team requires individuals who can handle expectations while remaining committed to collective goals. Matthews’ emphasis on winning reflects that priority, particularly in matches where individual moments can influence the outcome. His ability to remain involved throughout a demanding season, as reported in the supplied material, also highlights the value of consistency and preparation. Whether he is starting a match or working towards another opportunity, his approach centres on maintaining his standards and contributing whenever called upon.

Tashreeq Matthews’ message is straightforward. He knows that criticism comes with representing Mamelodi Sundowns, but he does not believe it should control his performances or confidence. Instead, he focuses on training, doing his best and helping the team achieve positive results. His comments about handling periods outside the starting lineup also show the importance he places on patience, motivation and personal responsibility. As Sundowns prepare for their next major domestic challenge, Matthews will be looking to turn that mindset into performances that benefit the team, reinforcing his belief that collective success matters more than what the outside world says.