South Africa giants Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly keen on a transfer for IK Sirius star Tashreeq Matthews, in a deal that will see the forward return back to the PSL.
The 23-year-old previously represented South Africa at the U20 level but nothing much has been heard of him until recently. He has spent time between Dortmund and Utrecht U21, before other stints in Sweden with Helsingborgs IF and Varbergs.
Originally, Matthews was a product of Ajax Cape Town Academy before heading to Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund.
However, Matthews has since found some sensational form in Sweden this season with IK Sirius. He has already scored nine goals and seven assists from 26 appearances for Blåsvart this campaign.
Despite his superb performances in Sweden, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has opted to omit him from his latest squad for the international games this month.
In fact, Matthews has more goal contributions than any South African player in the Bafana Bafana squad this season.
Another assist for Tashreeq Matthews this past weekend in Sweden.
10 goals and 7 assists in 27 games in all competitions now.
Plays as a winger and second striker.
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Meanwhile, his performances have caught the attention of Kaizer Chiefs and they are keen to bring him back to the PSL, especially after the club's slow start to the new campaign.
Kaizer Chiefs desperate to bring Matthews back to the PSL
Soccer Laduma sources at Amakhosi are claiming that the club is keenly following Tashreeq Matthews’ progress in Sweden and even highlighted how he could fit into the current team.
“The interest for (Tashreeq) Matthews has been there from the club. It could have dried up after signing Tebogo Potsane but the technical team has a plan in place on how they could eventually use Matthews if or when he joins Kaizer Chiefs,” said the source.
“Look there are other wingers like Keagan Dolly, Pule Mmodi, George Matlou (attacking midfielder), and Potsane but the advantage of Tashreeq (Matthews) is that he is versatile.
“He can play on either the left or the right but also as a central midfielder. This means he can cover up for other players who could be out injured or suspended.
“Yeah, the technical team are looking at such a player and they feel if they can get him he could be one of the right solutions to different problems.”
Since the unpleasant exit of Samir Nurkovic, Chiefs have struggled to get a decent forward to shoulder their goal-scoring responsibilities and that has led them to Tashreeq Matthews.
If Matthews eventually decides to play for one of South Africa's biggest Premiership teams – Chiefs – it is believed he would get a chance to show Hugo Broos and the rest of the Bafana Bafana technical crew how much he has improved and how he can add to the national team.
Tashreeq Matthews – a potential replacement for Keagan Dolly?
Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr has made it clear before now that the club are still interested in bringing more players in, so it remains to be seen if Matthews could be an option in January or during the summer window.
“Tashreeq is only 23 years old and they feel he would be the right player to take over from Dolly when it is his time to retire. He will be playing and learning from him while at the same time being groomed to take over in that position when the time comes,” another source said.
“That's how the technical team is looking at using him if they can sign him. You know he is playing in Europe and at times it's not easy for players to come back home from Europe.”
Dolly has barely played this season due to injuries and that might be the reason why the club is thinking about the future at this time.
Having been underwhelming in the last couple of seasons, Kaizer Chiefs have tried to rebuild the team as they released 12 players last summer window and more changes could be seen over the next months.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
