Warm homecoming for Oscarine Masuluke

Popular businessman Howard Mashaba, hosted a homecoming festival to welcome back Baroka F.C Goalkeeper, Oscarine Masuluke.

The festival was held at Giyani Stadium on Saturday, October 27 in partnership with the Greater Giyani Municipality.

According to Mashaba, Masuluke’s goal didn’t only put his name on the map but also his village and the rest of Giyani.

“When he was nominated to be in the top three I was so happy to see a boy who grew up playing in the dusty streets make it to an international stage,” he said

Read: Now is the time to vote for Oscarine Masuleke as your winner of the Puskás Award

Masuluke was nominated in the top three of the FIFA Puskas Award for his bycicle-kick goal against Orlando Pirates in stoppage time. He was nominated against France and Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud who got 36.17% of the votes, Masuluke 27.48% and Deyna Castellanos from Venuzeula 20. 47% votes.

Other business people donated 19 cows for the feast.

Xitsonga Musician Benny Mayengani donated R10 000 to Masuluke. Artists such as Penny Penny, Percy Mfana and Joe Shirimani entertained the crowd.

Mayor of Greater Giyani Municipality Sasavona Mathebula has applauded Masuluke for his nomination in the top three and says he has put Giyani in the map.

“We hope that other kids will also emulate and walk in your path this is great. We urge all young people to participate in sports and art,” she said

SAFA boss Danny Jordaan, also congratulated Oscarine.

“Well done to Oscarine for flying the South African and African flag high. Inspite of the outcome, you have done the continent proud for making it into the top three of such a prestigious award,” he added

Oscarine Masuluke popularly known as Zimba was born in N’wamankena Village outside Giyani.

His mother passed away when he was five years old and he together with his twin brother Oscar Masuluke were raised by his grandmother.

A community hall will be named after Oscarine Masuluke in N’wamankena Village.