Mamelodi Sundowns star Thapelo Maseko has made FIFA’s list of “Five African talents to watch in 2024” after his fine performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Maseko, 21, joined Masandawana from SuperSport United ahead of the 2023/24 season and has not looked back since, making 19 appearances across all competitions.
The speedy winger was also named MVP (Most Valuable Player) in the African Football League, and his fine performances got him into the 23-man AFCON squad of Hugo Broos.
At the tournament, he made five appearances before picking up a muscle injury in the quarter-final win over Cape Verde.
Maseko has now been named as one of five African talents to look out for 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,” the football mother body stated of Maseko.
“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.”
The other player’s on FIFA’s watchlist are:
- Oumar Diakite (Côte d’Ivoire) – 20
- Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco) – 19
- Nene Dorgeles (Mali) – 21
- Lamine Camara (Senegal) – 20
