Zuma Clears the Air on Maseko’s Copenhagen Move, Reveals His Role
Former Bafana Bafana star Sibusiso Zuma has moved to set the record straight over his involvement in Thapelo Maseko’s reported move to Danish giants FC Copenhagen, revealing that the club had already identified the young winger before approaching him for his assessment.
Maseko is reportedly close to completing a move from Mamelodi Sundowns to Copenhagen, with speculation suggesting that Zuma played a key role in initiating the transfer.
But the former Copenhagen star has rejected that version of events.
Speaking to Soccer Beat, Zuma explained that Copenhagen had already been monitoring Maseko, particularly after his performances at the World Cup. The Danish club then contacted Zuma because of his standing as a legend at the club.
“Let me first clear this… I was not the one who started the talks. FC Copenhagen already had interest in him,” Zuma said.
“And they spoke to me as a club legend, just to confirm if Thapelo Maseko is what they saw at the World Cup.”
Zuma Gives Maseko a Strong Recommendation
Although Zuma did not initiate the talks, his opinion carried significant weight when Copenhagen came looking for insight into the South African winger.
The former Bafana star gave Maseko a glowing endorsement, describing him as one of his favourite players in the current national team.
“I told them that he is one of my favourite players in the Bafana squad at the moment. I also said he is faster than me in terms of speed,” said Zuma.
Copenhagen were reportedly searching for a winger capable of taking on defenders, creating space and adding another dimension to their attack.
Zuma believes Maseko fits that profile.
“They wanted a winger that can take on players and create space, and I said he is the guy they were looking for.”
His comments could provide further insight into why Copenhagen have pursued the Sundowns player and the qualities they believe he can bring to the team.
Zuma Backs Svensson to Help Maseko Develop
While Maseko’s potential move has attracted attention, another key figure could play an important role in his transition to European football: Copenhagen coach Bo Svensson.
Zuma has strong faith in the Danish coach and believes his character and experience could benefit Maseko.
“I trust him 100%. He was my best central defender. He has a good heart and is a very humble guy,” Zuma said.
The former Bafana star recalled Svensson’s competitive nature during their playing days, describing him as a player who gave everything for the team.
“He is one of those players that would always fight for the team and you would see tears in his eyes when we were losing. He is that kind of person and he wants to win at all times.”
For Zuma, those qualities could make Svensson an important figure in Maseko’s development if the transfer is completed.
Svensson’s Bundesliga Experience Could Prove Valuable
Zuma also pointed to Svensson’s coaching experience in Germany as another reason for his confidence in the coach’s ability to guide Maseko.
“He has coached in the Bundesliga. He was coaching there a few years back and he’s got the experience.”
There is also another connection that Zuma believes could work in Maseko’s favour.
Svensson has previously had exposure to South African football during pre-season, giving him some familiarity with the style and environment from which Maseko is coming.
“The fact that he has had a pre-season here in South Africa a couple of times where he played a lot of local teams, that makes me feel he can definitely help Maseko because he understands the type of football we play in South Africa.”
Maseko’s European Opportunity
With the reported Copenhagen move drawing closer, Maseko could be on the verge of a major new chapter in his career.
The Sundowns winger’s performances have already attracted international attention, and Zuma’s comments suggest that Copenhagen’s interest was based on their own assessment rather than a recommendation from the former Bafana star.
Zuma’s role, however, could still prove significant.
As a former Copenhagen player and club legend, his assessment offered the Danish side an informed perspective on a player they were already considering.
Now, should the transfer be completed, Maseko will have the opportunity to prove that the qualities identified by Copenhagen and endorsed by Zuma can translate to the European stage.
