The 2026/27 PSL campaign is only a few weeks old, but Mamelodi Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews reveals that the relentless fixture schedule is already taking a physical toll on the squad.
With Betway Premiership matches and MTN8 knockout ties coming thick and fast, Matthews emphasised that dedicated recovery sessions are now vital. Masandawana have enjoyed a strong start in the league, collecting three wins and a draw from their opening four matches.
The Chloorkop outfit also endured a gruelling three-match path to reach the MTN8 showpiece. Sundowns punched their ticket to the final on Sunday following a thrilling 3-2 second-leg victory over Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Having lost the first leg 1-0, the Brazilians overturned the tie to draw 3-3 on aggregate, advancing past Abafana Bes’thende via the away goals rule.
‘WE HAVE TO TAKE RECOVERY SESSIONS SERIOUSLY’ – TASHREEQ MATTHEWS
Speaking ahead of their trip to Umlazi, Matthews stressed that structured recovery has become non-negotiable as the technical team manages minimal turnaround times between fixtures.
“We have to take it [recovery sessions] seriously because we play back-to-back games. You don’t get a lot of time to rest. You don’t even get time to train properly, and your body only feels the pain the day after the game. So yeah, we have to take it seriously. We spend at least 45 minutes doing recovery,” Matthews stated.
Their dramatic semi-final triumph sets up a blockbuster MTN8 final against rivals Orlando Pirates. Sundowns are hunting a fifth MTN8 crown and their first since 2021.
Conversely, the Sea Robbers are targeting a historic fifth consecutive title after sweeping past Sekhukhune United 4-0 on aggregate in their semi-final. The PSL is yet to confirm the venue and date for the final.
Things are set to get even tougher for the Chloorkop outfit. With the CAF Champions League, Carling Knockout, Nedbank Cup, and FIFA Intercontinental Cup still ahead, the fixture list will only get heavier for the African defending champions as the season progresses.
But attention now shifts back to league action, where Masandawana host Milford FC on Wednesday night at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, looking to build on their emphatic 5-2 victory over AmaZulu FC last week.
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