Music, fame and football – how Sundowns star maintains balance

The 22-year-old, whose stage name is ‘Hlogi Mash’, opened up to SABC Sport about finding balance in what appears to be a demanding schedule, especially being on the books of the country’s most successful female side. 

Mashigo was part of the Downs team that clinched the treble this season and she insists she can do it all because of the support around her. 

"I'm busy, but I don't find it difficult. When it comes to my lifestyle, the industry, I get a lot of time cos I know no one dictates for me. It's about me" she claimed.

"When it comes to football everything runs on time, on their a schedule, we must be there. We signed a contract, and working for them. But as an individual, I'm working for myself. Like now, it's December, I'm free [from football] I can go and do my thing. So, I feel it's not that difficult, especially knowing I manage myself." 

Mashigo has been crisscrossing the nation performing alongside partner Hope Ramafalo and promoting the latter's recent hit 'Ingozi' over the last few weeks, as soon as Sundowns finished their Hollywoodbets Super League season this month, suggesting a busy time for both.  Mashigo relishes life in the fast lane. 

"What I like about me, I can transfer this energy. If I'm at soccer, I'm at soccer, I train I keep the energy. I go home, get a bit of rest, and I go back to the studio. On and off the pitch I can still work, than someone who can complain 'I'm from soccer' and they sleep. I'm not like that.”

She also feels her generation is edging closer to winning the war on gender pay parity in football. Mashigo gives Sundowns a lot of credit for playing their part from a South African point of view. 

"We've been fighting for years, even the legends will tell you, they've been fighting the battle for years. We are just trying to fix it, as the future ladies soccer stars. What I will tell you is that Mamelodi Sundowns is home. What Mamelodi Sundowns does for us no one can. They makes us feel like w are appreciate in this world."

One of Mashigo’s highlights, apart from her growing status as a musician, is being back fit this season following a two-year hiatus. 

She featured in Downs’ incredible run of winning the COSAFA Cup, CAF Champions League and the domestic league title.