Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has used Lyle Foster’s journey to the Premier League as a blueprint for what Thapelo Maseko can achieve should his European move materialise.
Foster made the big career move by signing for Burnley FC in January before the club gained automatic promotion back to England’s top-flight from the Championship.
The 21-year-old started his European spell in 2019 when he moved to Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco from Orlando Pirates. Foster then earned himself a move to top-flight Belgian side Cercle Brugge on a season-long loan from Monaco.
It hasn’t long before he moved again as he penned a deal with Portuguese club Vitoria SC before joining Westerlo on loan in the 2021/22 campaign.
As a result of his impressive performances at Westerlo, Foster’s services were in-demand with Burnley jumping to secure his signature. As such, Hugo Broos believes that Maseko has the potential to follow in Foster’s footsteps and move to Europe.
Broos Confident Maseko Can Make It in Europe
“It would be very good for him if he goes to Europe,” Broos said. “You see what happened with Lyle Foster. He went to Belgium, and six months later or a year later, he became a good striker in Belgium. Another six months later, he went to England.
“So, that means if you’re ambitious as a player, if you have a good attitude, you can learn a lot in Europe because the opportunities are much bigger than locally at the moment.”
The 19-year-old caught the attention of several local and overseas teams following a fruitful season with SuperSport United. Maseko featured in 24 DStv Premiership games, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
Maseko, who plays as a winger has also been called up to the Bafana squad set to do battle with Morocco in the 2023 AFCON qualifier at FNB Stadium on June 17.
Foster’s ex-club Westerlo are interested in signing Maseko as confirmed by the player’s agent, Lance Davids.
“It should also be good, even for youngsters, if they get the opportunity and if my information is right, the same team of Foster wanted him [Maseko],” added Broos.
“I know this team [Westerlo]. This team gives a chance to young players. It would be good for a player like Maseko to go to a team like that and for all players.”
However, the deal was rejected by Matsatsantsa. And reports are stating that the Belgian side recently sent an improved offer to SuperSport. In addition, Mamelodi Sundowns are said to have joined the race for the youngster’s services.
Story by Joshua Hendricks.
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