Thapelo Maseko celebrates scoring the winner against South Korea, defying the critics to send Bafana Bafana into the World Cup knockout stages for the very first time. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Bafana Bafana's goalscorer against South Korea, Thapelo Maseko, beamed proudly as he encouraged South Africans to enjoy the moment after a historic 1-0 victory on Thursday morning propelled the nation out of the group stages of the Fifa World Cup for the first time in their history.
Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike was enough to ensure progression to the Round of 32, where Bafana will face co-hosts Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles.
Due to the victory, South Africa finished second in Group A with four points, one point ahead of third-placed South Korea. Co-hosts Mexico won the group after crushing the Czech Republic 3-0 at the same time, the latter rounding up the group on one point.
Speaking post-match, Maseko dedicated the win to all South Africans, even those who have — in recent weeks — doubted the team.
“This win is just for those who supported us and those who actually didn't support us, too,” said Maseko.
“They said we had a seven per cent chance of getting out of the group and yet here we are. We are thankful for everyone … we keep going.
“We’ve been through a couple of rough patches. From the first game, the media bashing us, the memes were trending. But this team showed that they are capable and they are strong and they have some mentality in them.”
Maseko signed off by instructing South Africans to revel in the victory.
“Thank you,” he said to Bafana’s supporters, “and enjoy.”