26C5RW Bafana Bafana attacker Thapelo Maseko.
Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
This is the remarkable story of Thapelo Maseko. The young footballer's winning goal led South Africa to its first-ever knockout stage in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, creating a historic moment for Bafana Bafana
His story is not only about football but also about discipline, family and a steady rise from Sebokeng in the Vaal.
Raised in Eatonside in Sebokeng, the 22-year-old winger grew up in a home where his father worked as a truck driver and sacrificed heavily to support his early football development in the Vaal.
Thapelo Maseko is the grounded South African winger who has become a central figure in Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the Fifa World Cup knockout stage.
Image: Instagram/Thapelo Maseko
After returning from Afcon, he made his first major personal decision. He bought a family home in Kempton Park for his parents and brothers before focusing on himself and later moving into his own apartment.
He lives a balanced life with touches of luxury. He has a partnership with a German car dealership that placed him in an Audi RS3 Sportback.
He has also spoken about his admiration for the Hyundai Kona N Line as a daily driver. Off the pitch, he spends time playing video games, listening to amapiano music and keeping a quiet routine.
He has said that if football had not worked out, he would have pursued corporate finance and become a chartered accountant.
His daily routine is strict and focused. He limits nightlife, prioritises nutrition and recovery, and studies elite wingers such as Jeremy Doku and Leroy Sané.
After a difficult spell at Mamelodi Sundowns and a severe hamstring injury during the 2023 Afcon, he lost his place in the team and briefly spent time in the reserves.
He later rebuilt his career after a loan move to AEL Limassol in Cyprus, where he has since thrived and settled well.
In the 2026 Fifa World Cup match against South Korea, Maseko scored the 63rd-minute winning goal. He latched onto a cross-box pass from Tshepang Moremi, took two composed touches and finished with a left-footed strike at the near post.
The victory secured South Africa's second place in Group A with four points, behind group winners Mexico.
It also marked the country’s first-ever progression beyond the group stage, following previous attempts in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Maseko was named Man of the Match, becoming the first South African player to win the award at the tournament.
Bafana Bafana will now face Canada at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in Round 32 on Sunday, June 28.