Boost for Stars: Masehe commits to another year
Paulus Masehe was living the dream on Saturday as Free State Stars beat Maritzburg United to lift the Nedbank Cup.
Captain and Man of the Match, Paulus Masehe of Free State Stars with his Winners medal in the dressing room after the 2018 Nedbank Cup Final between Maritzburg United and Free State Stars at Cape Town Stadium on 19 May 2018 © Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Masehe, born-and-bred in QwaQwa, was an 11-year-old fan celebrating with the rest of his province as Stars won the 1994 Coca-Cola Cup. Fast forward to 2018, and as a 34-year-old midfielder, in his ninth year at Stars, Masehe was Man-of-the-Match at Cape Town Stadium as Stars lifted the trophy.
“It is the greatest feeling ever,” said Masehe afterwards.
“I am still feeling like I am in a dream, I don’t understand. Maybe if I sit down and think about it I can understand where I am and what is happening. I cannot wait to see the people from QwaQwa and celebrate with them. It means a lot, it shows the youngsters they can continue dreaming, that anything is possible in life.
“It is very difficult for players to come from that side into the world of professional football. They can lose hope. But I am proof that anything is possible. If you are patient and passionate, you can achieve it.”
Masehe also confirmed he would stay for another season at Stars, which may well be his last as a professional player.
“I definitely want to carry on, for one reason, I want to finish 10 years in our team,” he said.
“It will be a great milestone for me. Bringing a first trophy in 24 years, one could have decided to retire tomorrow, but I thought let me guide the youngsters gradually.”
Next season also provides the prospect of taking part in the 2018/19 Caf Confederation Cup.
