SuperSport United attacking midfielder Thapelo Maseko has described his first international goal for the South African Under-23 as special.
ALSO READ: Pirates eyeing Orbit star after impressing in local youth cup
The youngster, who scored against Congo-Brazzaville in the first leg at the Dobsonville Stadium last week, is happy to have contributed positively for the team.
With the second leg coming up at Massamba-Debat Stadium on Monday evening, the attacking midfielder says the spirit is high in the camp ahead of this match.
“It was a special goal for me. It was my first international goal, but it was a bigger goal for the team to bring us level going into the second leg of the tie. It would have been harder going to Congo while trailing by a goal, so I am happy I could contribute by helping the team,” Maseko told Safa.net.
“The mood amongst the players is positive. We are confident that we will win this match and qualify for the 2023 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in June.”
Maseko, who has played 19 games for Matsatsantsa in the DStv Premiership and has scored three goals while making one assist, says there is difference in playing club and international football.
“There is obviously a major difference between club level and national team level, and it teaches us to adjust as a footballer. The intensity and the overall level is different and you have to adjust to playing with a player that you are not used to playing with in order to get the needed results.”
READ MORE: SA Under-23s good to go against Congo despite some issues
The 20-year-old Maseko has big dreams for his career and is eyeing a move overseas and says he looks up to players like Al-Ahly and Bafana Bafana attacker Percy Tau.
“Like every player, I do have ambitions of playing abroad. I draw inspiration from players like Percy Tau because he plays the same position. I look at most of his games and I try to learn from him because he is a good player who made his mark abroad. Whenever I get a chance to chat with him, I ask him about life on the other side of the world (playing overseas).”
