Hugo Broos predicts that one of his players will particularly shine at the 2026 World Cup!

World Cup 2026 Today at 17:41

Hazem Mlhem

News Editor

11.06.26 15:00 World Cup

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South Africa

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Hugo Broos has tipped Thapelo Maseko to be one of South Africa’s standout performers at the upcoming World Cup, with the Bafana Bafana head coach placing significant faith in the winger ahead of the tournament opener against Mexico.

The global showpiece begins on Thursday, with South Africa facing a monumental challenge in their first match. Maseko, who now plays for Cypriot side AEL Limassol after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, was selected in place of the injured Mohau Nkota.

Broos believes the left‑winger is ready to shine after enjoying a consistent season in Cyprus.

“First of all, Maseko is doing very well in Cyprus, so he was already with us before — in that period he was a guy every two weeks injured, he suffered a lot of injuries,” Broos said. “Now he plays nearly the whole season with his team in Cyprus, he played well, at a good level, so we called him in March. I was very happy with what I saw from him, it’s also the reason why he is with us.”

Maseko featured in 15 of a possible 19 matches for his Cypriot club, and Broos will be counting on him to deliver in Group A, where South Africa face the host nation, as well as Czechia and South Korea. The stage is set for the winger to prove his worth on the biggest stage in football. For Broos, the decision to bring him has been vindicated by his form. Now, it is up to Maseko to show that faith was well placed.

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