Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has praised the remarkable turnaround in Thapelo Maseko’s career after the winger endured a difficult spell at parent club Mamelodi Sundowns before reviving his fortunes overseas.
Maseko was South Africa’s hero against South Korea, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory that secured Bafana’s place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in the nation’s history.
The left-footed winger left Masandawana on loan in January to join AEL Limassol in Cyprus, where regular game-time helped him rediscover his confidence and form after admitting his “fire was fading”.
His impressive performances abroad earned him a recall to Hugo Broos’ national team squad after he had lost a place in the national team while struggling for opportunities at Sundowns.
Khumalo believes South Africa was in danger of losing one of its brightest attacking talents in Maseko.
“I must say I’m happy for this boy, we nearly lost him,” said Khumalo on SABC Sport.
“It’s not because he was being hated, they hated him or whatsoever but the unfortunate part was not getting game time in Sundowns but he decided to move.
“We should also say thanks to Sundowns because it moulded him before he could go overseas and here he is. Hugo believed in him. He went to select him and he studied him. Here he is.
“He’s playing, people will always say Messi is left-footed but he’s playing on the right. We have seen this long ago.
“You could see the frustration on the Korean players after South Africa scored that important goal, that history-making goal. Even the coach, he doesn’t know what to say.”