SEDIBENG.- Vaal wonder kids Thapelo Maseko (19) and Relebogile Mofokeng (18) are making their presence to be felt in top-flight football.
These two talented youngsters who play for Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively are taking South African football by storm. Maseko made history when he scored against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in the first African Football League first-leg semi-finals in Egypt which saw Sundowns proceed to the final with a 1-0 aggregate score.
The first leg final was played over the weekend in Morocco with Wydad coming to the second leg leading 2-1. The second leg final will take place on 11 November.
On the other hand, Mofokeng made the headlines when he was invited for trials with the English Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers recently. These two youngsters are living their dreams. To make it more interesting, Mofokeng is expected to shine in the Soweto derby when Orlando Pirates play against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Mamelodi Sundowns signed Sebokeng-born, Maseko from their neighbours SuperSport United after his impressive form for ‘Matsatsantsa a Pretoria’ while Pirates signed Mofokeng from the School of Excellence.
Given the Vaal’s history, for years now this region is known for producing household names in South African football since the days of Simon “Bull” Lehoko, Andrew “Malome” Phiri, Super Mofokeng, and Augustine Makalaklane to mention but a few.
These above-mentioned legends paved the way for another generation of players that included, Aaron “Mbazo” Mokoena, Phiri Tsotetsi, Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea, Pitso Lekone, Joseph “China” Masondo, Lucky Mohlathi, Avril Phali, Bongani Theletsane, Thabo Rakhale, Thabo Monyamane, and Abia Nale.
Maseko and Mofokeng seem to be following in the footsteps of these above-mentioned players if their current performance is anything to go by. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on Maseko when Sundowns host Morocco giants in the second leg final on Saturday.
