Young South African star Tashreeq Matthews, who is having an excellent season with Varberg in Sweden, says he is motivated to earn a place in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad in the future.
The 20-year-old, who joined Varberg from Borussia Dortmund, has been in fine form in the Swedish Allsvenkan this season, scoring four goals at the club, and has been included in a few Teams of the Week already.
Speaking to Rob Delport in an exclusive interview in the latest iDiski Times edition, Matthews says he’s now adapted well to the Swedish league, and is pleased with how he’s improving.
“It hasn’t been much of a big difference,” Matthews told iDiski Times.
“It’s just I know what to expect from teams now, and the type of players and certain things in the league, and how it goes.
“And ja, so it has been a step obviously for myself, but, you know, in terms of expecting what I expect from other players, or opponents I’m playing against, I know what I’m up against. So I know where my advantages are against them.”
Matthews’ stand out performances has seen speculation rise that other clubs in Europe have been monitoring him.
“Ja, like you said, good form attracts interest and ja, at the moment I’m at Varberg, just focusing on Varberg, obviously you hear transfer rumours from this one and from that one, you know, news that’s been going around, but for me, I’m focused at where I’m at,” he continued.
“And ja, whatever happens, happens, but at the moment I’m here, and I’m focusing here.”
Matthews is also motivated to hear that Bafana Bafana coach Broos is favourable to young players, and he is hoping to impress.
“Obviously, if the coach likes younger players it’s really nice, you know. I mean, I think you have an in somewhere if the coach likes younger players,” he added.
“But obviously it motivates me to get into the Bafana Bafana team and I’d really liked to be there.”
You can read the full interview Matthews in the latest edition of iDiski Times, which is on the shelves now!
