Lifeline for Menzi Masuku

MENZI Masuku has dropped so far off the radar since featuring for South Africa at last year’s Olympics in Brazil that a Bafana Bafana call-up for Saturday’s low-key Chan qualifier against Zambia is seen as a lifeline by the former Orlando Pirates forward.

Masuku‚ following a starring role in Bafana’s Cosafa Cup victory under Shakes Mashaba in Windhoek in June last year, started the 0-0 draw against Brazil and 1-1 draw against Iraq‚ and was a substitute in the 1-0 defeat against Denmark for the SA U23s at Rio 2016.

On his return, Masuku was surprisingly and somewhat unceremoniously released by Pirates to join Chippa United.

A year later the talented forward can only look back on a 2016-17 season in Port Elizabeth, where he did not score in 18 league games.

Masuku is grateful for a call-up‚ even a late one after the squad was hit by 10 withdrawals‚ to coach Stuart Baxter’s side to meet Zambia in Saturday’s Chan (African Nations Championship) qualifier in East London.

Masuku admitted his transfer to Chippa had been tough‚ and lack of form even tougher.

“I was new in a new city and obviously being at a new club you know that everything is different‚” he said.

“Also‚ most of the time I was getting injured.

“So hopefully this season I’ll stay clear of injuries and things will come right.”