Masuku wants to show Shakes what he can do

MAKING an instant impact is something that Menzi Masuku is used to, having done it with aplomb for country and club.

What the 23-year-old has struggled with is sustaining that impact, which has seen his career stagnate on both fronts.

He will look to buck that trend this evening with a Bafana Bafana side made up of national Under-23 players preparing for the Olympics when they take on Swaziland, at 6pm in the semifinal of the Cosafa Cup at Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek.

Despite not being part of the original squad, Masuku (pictured) came on off the bench against Lesotho and changed the game to help Bafana Bafana reach the last four.

“I was hoping to get as much game time as I could since I ended the previous season on a good note,” Masuku said. “I thought that everything would (continue well) but that didn’t happen. I just have to keep working hard and prove myself all over again.”

Playing in this tournament is a big opportunity for Masuku on so many levels. It has seen him work closer with Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba, who he hopes to play under regularly after the Rio Olympics. But he still has to fight for a place in the 18-man squad that Owen da Gama will take to Brazil, while also auditioning for new Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral.

“It’s a good thing that everyone will start afresh with Muhsin,” Masuku said.

“I am looking forward to the season because he believes in young players. But my immediate focus is with the national team. Since I wasn’t originally part of this squad, this is a good opportunity to remind the coach that Menzi is still the same player that he knows and can help the team make a mark.”

Masuku will be part of a Bafana attack that will be without Gift Motupa who is suspended, while centre-back Kwanda Mngonyama and central midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase have returned home after picking up injuries.