Oscarine has tough competition

Oscarine Masuluke’s goal may have been snubbed in the Absa Premiership but the Baroka FC goalkeeper may just see justice if his goal makes it to the last round for the Fifa Puskas Award for which it has made the last 10.

There was a huge outcry when Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal was announced as the winner for the Absa Premiership Goal-of-theSeason in May as many felt the wonder bicycle kick strike was more deserving of the gong.

Masuluke’s goal which has been described as one of the best seen in recent history by the legendary Nigerian Super Eagles star Daniel “Jay-Jay” Okocha, was however snubbed by local fans who voted for Tshabalala’s goal.

“I will go with the one that is rare. Seeing a goalkeeper score with a bicycle kick, I don’t think it will ever happen again,” Okocha said when asked which of the 10 nominated goals he would pick.

The 24-year-old keeper’s goal has had over two million views on YouTube since he scored in November last year.

Masuluke (above) scored in stoppage-time as Orlando Pirates looked on course for the three points at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. When Bakgaga were awarded a corner, he ran up the field to add numbers in the box and latched onto Jackson Mabokgwane’s poor clearance and let the ball bounce once before unleashing an overhead kick with his back to goal into the top corner over Mabokgwane and two Pirates defenders.

Speaking to Phakaaathi shortly afterwards, Masuluke said he had become an instant hero, with people stopping him on the streets and wanting to take pictures with him while others wanted to know about the unbelievable strike.

To vote, go to www.fifa.com and open the Puskas Award voting link.