I’m hoping to achieve more with the team and helping the team win the league – Terrence Mashego

Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Terrence Mashego shared his triumphs, trials and future ambitions in an exclusive interview at the end of the 2022/23 season. Mashego took us through his remarkable journey from Cape Town City to becoming a league Champion and overcoming setbacks.

The Bafana Bafana international joined The Brazilians in September, 2022, he revealed how the move to Sundowns was a dream come true for him and eagerly expressed his elation about winning the DStv Premiership title in his first season at Chloorkop.

“I am excited, there are some footballers who have played for many years and some even retired without even winning a single trophy. I’ve won the Nedbank Cup before, but not the league. It feels very different, I can’t describe it, but it’s a different kind of feeling because with the league you need to play throughout the season. You’ve got to  perform and you need  to do well, it’s a special moment.” 

Mashego’s journey from The Citizens to Bafana Ba Style has been nothing short of extraordinary, amidst his thrilling rise to prominence, the defender shared the highs and lows he experienced post his signing to the home of Champions: “Personally it was a difficult season because when the season started I was still with Cape Town City and I didn’t do preseason with the team [Cape Town City] because I was out with an injury. I got a knee injury when I was with the national team and I was supposed to be out for two months (eight weeks).” 

Despite his limited game time due to an unfortunate injury, the 27-year old left footer remained steadfast in his dedication and commitment to the team, vowing to emerge stronger in the upcoming season.

“Initially when I got injured I just told myself that I need to focus on my injury so that when I come back I can start shifting my focus and regain my fitness, make sure that I take game by game and as an individual I always motivate myself and I always try to do my best, because I knew that when I came to Sundowns there was pressure. I knew the individuals that are playing in my position and also if you could assess throughout the season, Aubrey [Modiba] and Sifiso [Ngobeni] they’ve been doing well. I knew that when I came back I also had to set the standard and towards the end I was getting there. I was now getting used to the guys, how they play and the system of the team, the instructions of  the coaches and I was able to now adapt to the instructions.”

With sheer resilience and determination, Mashego’s operation was successful and he made a triumphant return to Masandawana’s squad, however it was not long until he succumbed to another injury. “In my first game for Sundowns against AmaZulu I got injured and I had to go for a groin operation. I was then out for five months and I came back now in February [2023].” Said Mashego.

“It was a challenging season for me because throughout the season I only played about five games and if I were to include the CAF Champions League it would be seven games. This has never happened before, since I started my football career in the first division I’ve been playing consistently, playing about thirty games in a season and that’s why for me it was a difficult season. I am used to scoring goals and getting assists, but then this season I don’t have a goal or an assist.”

Despite the challenges Mashego had to face, the talented full back proudly expressed his immense pride in being a part of the Mamelodi Sundowns family and spoke passionately about his desire to play an instrumental role in the club’s future victories. With his sights set on the upcoming season, he aspires to continue honing his skills, solidifying his place in the squad, and ensuring the club’s continued dominance.

“There’s pride in coming from Mamelodi because every time I go home the people are happy to see me. I walk with pride knowing that I am from Mamelodi and I play for Mamelodi Sundowns and I’ve won the league with Sundowns. I’m also excited to be going back to the hood and it feels like I’m doing something for the community. I am excited, I can’t wait for the preseason because I’ve been waiting for that moment to at least be with the team and go to camp, train with the team and get used to the system.”

“Since the last CAF game I’ve been doing my own individual training on the side, I was out for quite some time and now I am back. I don’t see the reason for me to rest because I just need to work more on my fitness, focus more on myself and then I know when the new season resumes then I’m on the same level as the guys and I just want to play more games. I’m hoping to achieve more with the team and take part in helping the team win the league and the championship.”