Thapelo Maseko – third player from Vaal, going to World Cup
Little has been reported about Maseko.
SEBOKENG.- Thapelo Maseko is another player from Sebokeng who is going to the Fifa World Cup 2026. This brings the total to three players from the Vaal who will represent South Africa in this global tournament.
While much has been said and written about Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi, little has been reported about Maseko.
Maseko was named alongside his homeboys, Mofokeng and Moremi, when Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced his 26-man squad for national duty in this tournament.
Vaal soccer fans are expected to come in large numbers to Bafana Bafana’s send-off game this evening (May 29) at the Mastel Arena Stadium in Johannesburg. The kick-off time is set for 18:00.
He grew up playing football barefoot
Like other youngsters, Maseko grew up playing football barefoot on the dusty grounds of Sebokeng, little knowing that one day he would be playing on the biggest stage in the world. The Mamelodi Sundowns winger is currently on a short-term loan to AEL Limassol in Cyprus for the season.
Maseko is one of the youngsters Broos built the team around when he took over as Bafana Bafana coach. He was one of the Sundowns players trusted by Broos because of their CAF Champions League experience, which happened before the club loaned him to AEL Limassol. Sundowns originally signed this Vaal-born young star from SuperSport United seasons ago, and he was part of the club’s success.
Looking at his football background, Maseko started his amateur career playing for Vaal Juventus FC. The club is one of the best development teams in the Vaal, campaigning in the SAFA Sedibeng Regional League.
Maseko was part of an U17 team that won a local tournament
His former coach, Isaac Mphasane, said Maseko showed great potential at an early age while playing U13.
Mphasane added that Maseko was part of his best U17 team that won a local tournament known as the Makgotamisha U17 Winter Tournament.
He told Sedibeng Ster Sport that Vaal Juventus FC wants to take this opportunity to congratulate Thapelo for being selected to be part of Bafana Bafana to represent the country at the world cup.
“We are very proud. This means a lot to us knowing the boy started his football career here, long before the world could witness his talent,” said Mphasane.
