Bafana Bafana winger Thapelo Maseko has made an immediate impact at FC Copenhagen, scoring twice on his first start as the Danish giants cruised to a 5-0 victory over Odense Boldklub.
The move to Europe is already beginning to look like a major opportunity for Maseko.
The 22-year-old winger was handed his first start for FC Copenhagen since completing his reported €1.5 million transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns, and he responded with a performance that will have caught the attention of supporters in Denmark and South Africa.
Maseko needed only five minutes to make his presence felt.
Maseko Makes Instant Impact
Operating from the right, the Bafana Bafana international collected the ball before cutting inside and unleashing a superb effort from distance.
His curling strike from around 25 yards found the far corner, giving the goalkeeper little chance and putting Copenhagen in front in spectacular fashion.
It was exactly the kind of start Maseko would have wanted after being given his first opportunity to lead the line from the beginning.
Asger Sørensen added Copenhagen’s second goal before the Danish side continued to control proceedings after the interval.
Maseko, however, was not finished.
Second Goal Caps Impressive Display
With 76 minutes played, the former Sundowns winger was in the right place at the right time when a loose ball fell inside the penalty area.
Maseko reacted quickly, showing composure to finish from close range and complete his brace.
He briefly appeared to have completed a hat-trick shortly afterwards, but the effort was disallowed.
Even so, two goals on his first start represented an emphatic introduction to life at Copenhagen.
The winger had already featured in cameo roles in domestic football and the UEFA Conference League, but this was his first full opportunity to make his mark from the opening whistle.
He certainly took it.
Big Boost for Bafana Bafana
Maseko’s explosive performance also arrives at an important time for South African football.
With the next Bafana Bafana camp approaching and Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action on the horizon, his form in Denmark could provide another attacking option for the national team.
The challenge now will be to build on this performance and establish himself as a regular contributor for Copenhagen.
For Maseko, however, the message from his first start is clear: he has arrived in Europe ready to make an impact.
