Thapelo Maseko making early mark as next South African star at Copenhagen

Thapelo Maseko is beginning to establish himself at Copenhagen and could follow in the footsteps of fellow South African Sibusiso Zuma, who became a legendary figure at the Danish club.

The Bafana Bafana forward, who recently celebrated scoring against South Korea at the Fifa World Cup, has made an immediate impression in Denmark. The 22-year-old scored twice in his first league start, including a powerful curling effort from outside the penalty area.

That performance quickly connected Maseko with Copenhagen supporters. His team-mates joined the celebrations as fans repeatedly chanted “Maseko, Maseko, Maseko” after the match.

His display was also recognised by the Danish Superliga, which selected him in its Team of the Week.

Maseko’s fast start has revived memories of Zuma’s hugely successful spell with Copenhagen. Zuma spent six years at the club and scored a host of goals, becoming one of the most popular players among supporters and those associated with the team.

His most famous contribution came against Copenhagen’s arch-rivals Brondby IF, when he scored an iconic bicycle kick. The goal helped secure his status as a club great and was later commemorated with a statue outside the Parken Stadium, Copenhagen’s home ground.

Supporters voted the strike the best Danish Superliga goal of the decade in 2009. Copenhagen subsequently named it the greatest moment in the club’s history.

Maseko is not the first South African player to attempt to follow Zuma at Copenhagen. Luther Singh was the next notable compatriot to join the club, but he struggled to make a sustained impact.

Singh spent much of his time moving in and out of the side while spending periods away from the club on loan deals. Maseko, by contrast, has made a striking early impression and appears to be adapting smoothly to his new surroundings.

The challenge now is to maintain that momentum. Maseko will need to continue contributing regularly if he is to remain an important player for both Copenhagen and Bafana Bafana.

A strong season could allow him to create his own place in the club’s history. If his progress continues, he may eventually reach the kind of legendary standing Zuma achieved at Parken Stadium or even surpass it.