Why Terrence Mashego is confident of making it into Bafana’s AFCON squad
Mamelodi Sundowns left-back Terrence Mashego has outlined why he remains confident of making it into Bafana Bafana’s squad for the forthcoming 2023 AFCON finals.
The talented left-back, Terrence Mashego recently returned to the fore after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Due to absence, he lost his place in the Bafana Bafana squad where his teammate Aubrey Modiba has excelled.
Orlando Pirates duo of Paseka Mako and Innocent Maela have also had their chances in the left-back position.
Sadly, the two Buccaneers are likely to miss the continental showpiece as they are nursing injuries.
The AFCON finals will be staged in January in Ivory Coast where Bafana Bafana face Mali, Namibia and Tunisia in group E.
WHY TERRENCE MASHEGO IS HOPEFUL OF A RETURN INTO THE BAFANA-FOLD
And Mashego is brimming with confidence that he will win Hugo Broos’ heart again as Mamelodi Sundowns go about their next matches.
The 25-year-old was on parade from start to end when the Tshwane giants demolished FC Nouadhibou in CAF Champions League on Sunday.
He is expected to be a vital cog when they take on SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership Tshwane Derby on Wednesday.
“I still have a chance, there is about ten games remaining before the finals [AFCON] are played. And I would say, there is still a chance and there are no regrets,” said Mashego.
“It’s a conversation that I had with my dad that I don’t want to retire as a player, who has just played football.
“I said, I want to win titles. I want to look back one day and say, you know what, I achieved this and that. Thats why I joined Sundowns, to compete and win.
“There is a bit of a rotation and also I managed get my first 90 minutes this season. I’m looking to build on that and get more game time hence there is still a chance,” Mashego said.
RELISHING COMPETITION IN SUNDOWNS’ LEFT-BACK POSITION
Mashego is however not putting himself under pressure albeit the stiff competition he faces at club level.
So far, he has benefitted from the absence of Aubrey Modiba and Abdelmounaim Boutouil who are injured.
“I just need to observe and not put pressure on myself because I just came back,” he said.
“So, I need to focus and be prepared, to make sure that when I get my oppurtunity, i’m able to execute.
“Aubrey [Modiba] and AB [Abdelmounaim Boutouil] are completely different players, myself included. We are different players,” added Mashego.
“Thats why there is the three of us. There are games that requires AB because he is more like a reserved left-back.
“And there are games where we need Aubrey because he is more like a midfielder compared to AB and myself.
“Then there are games that need speed and a bit of aggression, of which that’s where I come in.”
RELATED STORY: ‘Terrence Mashego 2.0’: Tinkler likens City’s new signing to Bafana star