Thapelo Maseko is buzzing with confidence after his brilliant cameo against the Czech Republic. Photo: Backpagepix
Thapelo Maseko’s Fifa World Cup 2026 journey has already taken a decisive turn — and it has happened in the space of just one match.
Thrown into the tournament spotlight, the winger stepped off the bench and made an immediate impact in Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 draw against Czech Republic, playing a key role in the late action that kept South Africa’s qualification hopes alive.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity and the support I’ve also been receiving from back home,” Maseko said. “It was a very emotional one for me and it took me a while to adjust but we got an important point.”
It was not just the performance that stood out, but the timing of it.
