Thapelo Maseko (born 11 November 2003) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa national team. He is regarded as one of the best young players in South Africa.
Club career
Maseko is a youth product of SuperSport United F.C., where he started his professional career. He impressed during the 2022–23 season, as he helped SuperSport to a third-place finish in the South African top league.[1] This reportedly earned him offers from the likes of Belgian club KVC Westerlo.[2]
In June 2023, he signed for the Mamelodi Sundowns, the record 13 times-winners of the Premier League.[1] He played a fundamental role in the team that won the first African Football League in 2023, most notably scoring the only goal of the two semi-final legs against Al Ahly.[3][4][5] He was the best player and top goalscorer of the competition.[6]
International career
Maseko is an international for South Africa, having played the 2022 COSAFA Cup.[7][8][9]
In January 2024, he was selected with South Africa for the 2023 AFCON.[10]
Honours
South Africa
- Africa Cup of Nations third place: 2023
- South African Premiership: 2023–24 South African Premiership[11]
Individual
References
- ^ a b "Rising star Thapelo Maseko joins Sundowns".
- ^ "Sundowns complete the signing of Thapelo Maseko". 18 July 2023.
- ^ "Thapelo Maseko the goal hero for Mamelodi Sundowns as Tshwane giants humble Percy Tau's Al Ahly". Goal. 29 October 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ "LAF / Demi-finale aller : Les Mamelodi Sundowns battent l'Al Ahly". 29 October 2023.
- ^ Baleka, Mihlali (29 October 2023). "Thapelo Maseko scores only goal of the game as Sundowns beat Al Ahly in first leg of AFL semi-final". IOL.
- ^ "Ligue Africaine de Football : Découvrez tous les prix décernés". 13 November 2023.
- ^ "Mkhalele pleads with PSL teams to give his Bafana youngsters a chance".
- ^ "Mkhalele takes over Bafana and turns to fresh talent for Cosafa Cup".
- ^ "Ethan Brooks to lead Bafana Bafana as squad assembles for Cosafa Cup".
- ^ "Maseko will represent Vaal at AFCON". 5 January 2024.
- ^ Edwards, Piers (10 February 2024). "South Africa 0–0 DR Congo". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
External links
- Thapelo Maseko at Soccerway