Newly signed Marumo Gallants midfielder Darrel Matsheke has vowed to put the Stellenbosch FC controversy behind him and prove many people wrong.
The 26-year-old is back in the Betway Premiership after spending the second half of the season at Kruger FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. He described his time at Kruger as a “great journey”, although he acknowledged the ‘off-field’ challenges that accompanied his stint.
Before that, he played for Pretoria Callies, also in the second tier. His move to Callies followed a controversial exit from Stellenbosch FC, which left many questions unanswered.
On Monday, Marumo announced Matsheke’s signing alongside players such as Simo Luthuli, Jaisen Clifford, Teboho Motloung, Bongolwethu Siyase, Shaun Morgan, and Kamohelo Sithole. The newly assembled squad also includes free-scoring Namibian midfielder Abram Tjahikika, Karabo Khoza, and Bheki Mabuza.
“It feels good. I’m very excited about the opportunity that has been given to me. I can’t describe how happy I am,” Matsheke told FARPost.
‘I WANT TO PROVE A LOT OF PEOPLE WRONG’: DARREL MATSHEKE
His opportunity with Gallants motivates him to want to achieve more. “I want to prove a lot of people wrong, especially after the situation at Stellenbosch. So, I need to show people the kind of player I am, what I can do on the field,” said the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder.
“A lot of people still have that mindset of me being a troublesome player, which is not good for any professional. So, the opportunity that I’ve been given, I’ve to prove a lot of people wrong. I have to do more for myself, considering the name I’ll be carrying behind my back, and most importantly, for my kids and family.”
Matsheke, developed at Amakhosi, aims to help the Bloemfontein club secure a top-eight finish.
“Since they didn’t qualify for the top eight, I would like to push to get the club into the top eight. They lost in the Carling Black Label semi-final, and then they also lost in the Nedbank Cup semi-final. I would like to contribute my experience and help the club reach a final at the very least or win a cup.”
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