Mamelodi Sundowns starlet gets FIFA recognition!

Mamelodi Sundowns starlet Thapelo Maseko has received recognition from FIFA following his exploits in CAF-related competitions in 2023 and 2024.

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Maseko was in scintillating form for the Brazilians during the African Super League (AFL) where he was named The Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The 20-year-old would then catch the eye of Hugo Broos, who didn’t hesitate to include him in his Bafana Bafana squad the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Côte D’Ivoire.

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Maseko didn’t disappoint at all as he netted in Bafana Bafana’s 4-0 win over Namibia at the finals; and the goal came just five minutes after coming on as a substitute.

However, Maseko was unfortunate to sustain an injury which eventually ruled him out of the tournament.

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Now, FIFA has picked the Sundowns and Bafana Bafana left-footer as one of the top five African talents to watch in 2024.

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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS’ MASEKO RECOGNISED BY FIFA

The South African winger scored just five minutes after coming on as a substitute against Namibia in a 4-0 win at the AFCON, but saw his tournament cut short by injury in their quarter-final win against Cabo Verde.

He may stand at only 5ft 3in tall, but the youngster certainly rose above the competition in 2023, winning the inaugural African Football League with the Mamelodi Sundowns and being voted player of the tournament. While Maseko did not feature in World Cup 26 qualifying last November, coach Hugo Broos will likely call on him in June for the next round of games. South Africa, currently second in Group C, will face Nigeria – who defeated them in the AFCON semi-finals – and Zimbabwe.

Reads an extract from FIFA’s article

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FIVE AFRICAN TALENTS TO WATCH IN 2024 BY FIFA

• Oumar Diakite (20) – Côte d’Ivoire
• Bilal El Khannouss (19) – Morocco
• Nene Dorgeles (21) – Mali
• Thapelo Maseko (20) – South Africa
• Lamine Camara (20) – Senegal

READ ALL FOOTBALL RELATED STORIES BY ERNEST MAKHAYA HERE…