Mamelodi Sundowns‘ recent acquisition of left-back Fawaaz Basadien has sparked conversations about the future of their existing defenders.
As the club’s first signing for the upcoming season, Basadien joins an already crowded position that includes Aubrey Modiba, Divine Lunga, Asekho Tiwani, and Terrence Mashego.
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In a move that strongly suggests he may not be in coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans, Terrence Mashego was released to join the Bafana Bafana African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad.
The tournament’s schedule will overlap with the start of the new PSL season, making his participation with the national team a clear indication of his potential departure from the club.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his own future, Mashego spoke candidly about his new teammate in an interview with SoccerBeat. The former Cape Town City player highlighted the benefits of having a new, talented player join the squad.
“It’s an opportunity for him to come and improve, improve us,” Mashego said, “The moment you know that okay, there’s another player who’s doing well, you understand, you also develop. You also learn, also from him because there’s qualities that he has that I don’t have.”
Mashego went on to emphasize that the new signing creates a collaborative environment rather than a competitive one.
“By me being able to train with him, like being able to, see him closer, I’m able to adjust, I’m able to learn, few things from him and he’s also able to learn few things from me. It’s not a competition to say, but it’s about having someone and then that person improving you as a player and you also improving them.”
While Mashego is with the national team for the CHAN tournament, facing group matches against Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and Uganda, the question of whether he will be a part of the Sundowns squad this season remains.
Mamelodi Sundowns will kick off their new campaign this weekend in the MTN8 competition. They are set to face Richards Bay at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium at 18:00 on Sunday, August 3, 2025.