Thapelo Maseko on course to follow in Sibusiso Zuma’s footsteps at Copenhagen

South African football icon Sibusiso Zuma remains one of the kings of Copenhagen. His compatriot, Thapelo Maseko, could soon be his heir apparent should he continue his seamless adaptation to his new club.

Zuma endeared himself to everyone associated with the Danish side during a six-year stint, scoring a host of goals.

Notably, his iconic bicycle kick against arch-rivals Brondby IF earned him legendary status, culminating in a statue built in his honour outside the Parken Stadium – Copenhagen’s home ground.

Fans voted this strike the best Danish Superliga goal of the decade in 2009, while the club later named it the greatest moment in Copenhagen’s history.

In recent years, Luther Singh was the next notable South African player to follow in Zuma’s footsteps. However, he failed to make a lasting impact, spending much of his time in and out of the side on various loan deals.

Enter Maseko this season. The 22-year-old looks sharp and ready to emulate Zuma. He scored a brace on his first league start, including a thunderous curling strike from outside the box.

His performance was celebrated by teammates and supporters alike, who chanted “Maseko, Maseko, Maseko” during the post-match celebrations. Maseko’s exploits also earned recognition from the Danish Superliga, as he was voted into the Team of the Week.

The Bafana Bafana international cannot afford to slow down now. He must build momentum with every passing week to remain an integral figure for club and country, write his own history at the club, and perhaps one day achieve the same legendary status as Zuma – or even surpass