On-loan Sundowns’ Mashego: ‘Durban City progressing’

Durban City’s on-loan Mamelodi Sundowns defender Terrence Mashego has highlighted areas the rookies have polished up after the FIFA window for international matches.

The South African international has proved to coach Gavin Hunt’s tower of strength in the Betway Premiership. The full-back’s experience could prove handy when City date Richards Bay FC on Sunday.

The 29-year has cited defensive solidity, growing maturing and confidence as the aspects the rookies have improved on.

“We’ve worked a lot on our physical conditioning and our mental focus. Sometimes after a rough phase, the main thing you need to reset is the mind, and we did exactly that. The squad looks fresh, more connected, and everyone understands their roles,” he told City’s website.

Such improvements, Mashego noted, were evident when they ground out a 1-0 result over stubborn Marumo Gallants shortly before the international break.

“That was an important win, especially after a rough phase,” the left-back added.

“We needed that result to lift the spirits in the camp and remind ourselves of the quality we have. The confidence is much higher now, and there’s a real sense of momentum again. The timing was perfect, allowing us to go into the break with belief.”

The on-and-off Bafana Bafana defender has since urged City team-mates to build on their momentum from the last Betway Premiership encounter with Gallants.

The Premier Soccer League newcomers will travel to Umhlathuze Sports Complex for Sunday’s dance with the Natal Rich Boys, who prevailed over their counterparts when the two teams faced in the Carling Knock-out Cup in October.

Mashego reflected on what Gavin Hunt’s side learned from the last meeting with Bay.

“The last Richards Bay game was very difficult. The conditions were extreme, and even with an early goal. The lesson was simple: we need to be more clinical, more disciplined, and manage the game better,” the Mamelodi-born defender added.

“This time around, the approach is more mature. We’ve studied what we did wrong, we’ve fixed certain things, and we are stepping into this match with a clearer identity and a stronger mentality. We are not going there just to compete; we are going to take control and change the story.”

Why Terrence Mashego fled Sundowns

The full-back secured the transfer from Sundowns to City while seeking more game-time which is critical to his future with the national team.

Having been part of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the African Nations Championship, Mashego is no longer in Hugo Broos’ selection catchment areas due to limited club game-time.

The defender featured in 13 games only last season. He pushed for his loan exit in view of stiff competition in the left-back slot which has many competitors, including Aubrey Modida, Fawaaz Basadien, revived Divine Lunga and Asekho Tiwani.