Mamelodi Sundowns fullback Terrence Mashego is determined to prove his worth and earn a recall Bafana Bafana.
Despite facing challenges and injury setbacks at Sundowns, Mashego remains committed to his goal of making the final Bafana AFCON squad.
Bafana are set to do battle in the AFCON in Ivory Coast, starting in January 2024 in Group E with Mali, Namibia and Tunisia.
With the AFCON tournament set to get underway in two months, Mashego is is working tirelessly to regain his place in the squad.
But since joining Sundowns from Cape Town City FC last season, Mashego lost his place in the Bafana set up.
He is now fully fit and got his first time in Mamelodi Sundowns colours against in the 3-0 win over Nouadhibou in the CAF Champions’ League group stage at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The 27-year-old has only made eight appearances at Sundowns and the left-back is fighting for a place at the club with Aubrey Modiba and Abdelmounaim Boutouil.
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MASHEGO REMAINS FOCUSED ON BAFANA BAFANA DESPITE CLUB STRUGGLES
And despite the limited game time even when he was fit Mashego says he doesn’t regret joining Sundowns as he wanted to win trophies. “I’d say, honestly, I’m not in the team because I haven’t been playing much,” said Mashego.
“And to be fair, the team has been doing well – AB [Boutouil] has been consistent Aubrey Modiba has been consistent. “For me, I just need to be honest with myself, just to observe and be patient with myself and not put much pressure on myself, because I just came back now.
“So I just need to focus and make sure that I’m well prepared. When I get my opportunity. I’m able to execute.” Terrence Mashego with five Bafana caps under his belt used to be coach Hugo Broos’ first-choice left-back. And a handful of games left at club level, Mashego is still optimistic of receiving a call up for AFCON. “I still have a chance, there is about 10 games remaining before the AFCON are played,” said Mashego. “And I would say, there is still a chance.”