SuperSport United attacking midfielder Thapelo Maseko described his first international goal for South Africa U-23s as special.
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The youngster, who scored against Congo-Brazzaville in the first leg at the Dobsonville Stadium last week, is happy to contribute positively to the team.
With the second leg at the Massamba-Debat Stadium on Monday evening, the attacking midfielder said the spirit was high in the camp ahead of this match.
“It’s a special goal for me. It’s my first international goal, but it’s a bigger goal for the team to bring us level for the second leg. It’s going to be more difficult going to Congo when we’re chasing goals, so I’m happy to contribute by helping the team said,” Maseko told Safa.net.
“The atmosphere among the players is positive. We are confident that we will win this match and qualify for the U-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 a difference between playing club and international football.
“Obviously there is a major difference between the club level and the national team level, and this teaches us to adjust as footballers. The intensity and the overall level are different and you have to adjust to play with players who are not used to play to get a good result required.
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Maseko, 20, has big dreams for his career and wants to move abroad and says he is looking up to the likes of Al-Ahly and Bafana Bafana striker Percy Tau.
“Like every player, I have the ambition to play abroad. I draw inspiration from players like Percy Tau because he plays in the same position. I watch a lot of 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 talk to him, I ask him about life on the other side (playing abroad).