Maseko Carries Black Excellence as Bafana Face Canada

Bafana Bafana forward Thapelo Maseko stands on the verge of history. He is poised to join Shaun Bartlett as the only South African to score multiple goals at a single FIFA World Cup. Maseko netted the decisive goal against South Korea, sending the national team to their first ever knockout stage. As Bafana prepare to face co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, Maseko represents the unstoppable rise of Black South African talent on the global stage.

How did Thapelo Maseko secure Bafana's historic knockout spot?

The 22-year-old delivered when it mattered most. On Thursday morning, Maseko scored the only goal against South Korea, ending a group stage that saw Bafana written off by critics and even some of their own supporters. Before that heroics, Maseko's pace and skill earned the crucial penalty that secured a 1-1 draw against Czechia. His performances are a direct rejection of the doubt often placed on our local talent.

Can Maseko match Shaun Bartlett's 1998 World Cup record?

Shaun Bartlett remains the sole Bafana player to score more than once at a single World Cup, achieving his brace against Saudi Arabia in 1998. Maseko now has the opportunity to etch his name alongside that legacy. Legendary striker Siyabonga Nomvethe, who famously scored against Slovenia in 2002, sees a kindred spirit in the young winger.