Global community tips Masuluke to make football history

from GIFT NDOLWANE in Johannesburg, South Africa
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – IF endorsement by legends and sentiments by fans are anything to go by, South African goalkeeper, Oscarine Masuluke, could be on the verge of carving his name into the annals of world football history.

The support comes days before the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) reveals the winner of the best goal for 2016/17.

The Limpopo-born goalminder is in contention to become the first goalkeeper to win the accolade known as the Puskás Award.

He could at last end the jinx afflicting South Africa as previously goals by Katlego Mphela (2009), Siphiwe Tshabalala (2010) and Hlompo Kekana (2016) have received nomination but failed to clinch the prize.

Masuluke’s effort came in November when scored a stoppage-time equaliser with a bicycle kick against Orlando Pirates, with virtually the last kick of the match to ensure a draw for relegation-threatened newcomers Baroka FC.

Recently, Nigerian legend Austin Okocha, who is a scorer of famous goals, as well as Chelsea and Italian great, Roberto Di Matteo, endorsed the goal to emerge the best at the Best FIFA Football Awards set for London on October 23.

Fans also disclosed voting Masuluke’s effort to win.

“I agree with the legends, Jay-Jay Okocha and Roberto Di Matteo. Goals by goalkeepers are very unusual. Masuluke’s celebration afterwards was pretty unique too! My vote goes to Oscarine Masuluke,” said Lucky Mbiza, a local fan.

An Egyptian soccer fan, who calls himself Asec Mimosas after the dominant Ivory Coast side, said, “His (Masuluke’s) celebration wins him my vote.

Others believe Masuluke’s effort is not only a wonder to football but a marvel in life in general.

Among these is a fan calling themselves Elephunk_M, who said, “We may never live to see such a goal from a goalkeeper again. Mr Masuluke I do support you and may Almighty God be with you. And even if you don’t win this award, but you deserve a Guinness World Records’ recognition.”

First round voting for the ten goals under consideration ended on Monday on the FIFA website.

– CAJ News