Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns forward Thapelo Maseko applauded the work done by his coaches at club and national team level for his latest recognition by FIFA.
Maseko was named as one of five African young players to watch in 2024, alongside Oumar Diakite (Ivory Coast), Lamine Camara (Senegal), Nene Dorgeles (Mali) and Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco).
Maseko (21) scored one in the African Cup of Nations, in a 4-0 drubbing against neighbours Namibia in the group stages.
Bafana Bafana went on to claim the bronze medal in the tournament, with Maseko unluckily missing out on the semi-final and third-place playoff after sustaining a muscle injury.
Maseko thanked Rulani Mokoena, his coach at Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana tactician Hugo Broos.
“It’s a privilege, I’m very proud of myself and I’m grateful for the recognition given to me. It all became possible because of my coach, coach Rulani and coach Hugo in believing in me. I’m very, very thankful for that, for my growth, for their guidance in me,” Maseko said.
Maseko says the experience of competing in the AFCON will help become a better player.
“I think it’s gonna benefit the team because the experience we gained from the AFCON in our African tournaments. It’s gonna help also me because I’ve gained some experience from AFCON. It’s gonna help me become a better player,” Maseko noted.
The tricky winger believes that playing alongside experienced heads such as Tebogo Mokoena and Percy Tai will improve his game.
“Being part of this amazing group of players. It’s a proud moment, I didn’t even dream it in my wildest dreams to be part of your Teboho Mokeona’s, your Mshishi (Themba Zwane), your Percy Tau’s and their guidance also and the advices, they go a long way in my development,” Maseko added.
