TERRENCE
MASHEGO
TIPS SENEGAL
TO SURPRISE
© Muzi Ntombela - Backpage PixAuthor: John AliuThe 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar will be historic for the African continent as all five representatives will be handled by homegrown coaches. Could Africa deliver something special in the Middle East?Terrance Mashego who recently completed a move to Mamelodi Sundowns believes the continent is on the brink of defying the odds in Qatar and went ahead to select the African team he is backing to go furthest in the competition.

“I like the way Senegal has produced several generations of talented footballers. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, they had the likes of Henri Camara, Khalilou Fadiga, El Hadji Diouf, and several others. Presently, they have some big names such as Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy. I strongly believe they can upset several big teams in Qatar,” declared the Sundowns defender.

The Bafana Bafana international highlighted the best goal he has ever seen at a World Cup, “There have been many great goals, but the one that stands out the most is Robin van Persie's sensational diving header against Spain at the 2014 edition. Sometimes, I still wonder how he managed to score such a magical goal.”
The Sundowns defender also picked his favourite left full-back to ever play at the FIFA World Cup. “At previous editions, I have watched Paolo Maldini, Bixente Lizarazu, Ashley Cole, Roberto Carlos, amongst many others. My favourite is Brazilian legend, Roberto Carlos. The man was a beast in defence and a weapon of danger in attacking areas. I love those free-kick thunderbolts from his left foot. In Qatar, I will be watching England’s Kieran Trippier closely because he is a versatile footballer,” Terrance added.

Terrence started his football career at Arcadia Shepherds Development before joining Tshwane University of Technology Football Club (TUT FC) and competed in the Varsity Cup. The dreadlocked defender then moved to Mthatha Bucks in the National First Division before signing with TS Galaxy where he notably won the Nedbank Cup in the 2018/19 season.
© Samuel Shivambu - Backpage PixTerrence during the DSTV Premiership match against AmazuluThe Mamelodi-born defender says he is already feeling at home at Masandawana and hopes to build his own legacy at Chloorkop.

“Mamelodi Sundowns is a massive football club that resonates with winning both on and off the pitch. It is the dream of every footballer to play for such a big team and I am very excited to have made the move. As a Mamelodian, I cannot wait to create more history with this team. I have been inspired by icons such as Hlompho Kekana and it is my wish to also become a legend one day”, smiled Mashego.

Apart from excelling in football, Mashego also understands the importance of education. After completing matric in 2014 at Bona Lesedi Secondary School in Mamelodi, Terrence got a scholarship from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2016 to pursue a diploma in Sports Exercise Technology. Presently, the full-back is studying towards a degree in law at the University of South Africa also known as UNISA.

Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff once stated that “You play football with your head, and your legs are there to help you.”
Although Cruyff’s words speak more about the game on the field, Terrance Mashego’s brains and talent make him a rare gem, one that Mamelodi Sundowns will be looking to fully harness.