Parents keep Masuku humble
HE IS SHOWERED WITH PRAISE WHEN IT IS DESERVED, AS WELL AS CRITICISM
Every now and again, Menzi Masuku gets phone calls and text messages from his parents, reprimanding him when they are not happy with his performances for Bloemfontein Celtic.
Not only do they call him out whenever they deem his displays as lukewarm, they also pat him on the back whenever he does well, and that forms a major part of Masuku’s support system.
“I have huge support from home and my parents are always shouting at me whenever I am not doing well because they know I have a lot to offer. I am always confident in my abilities,” he told Phakaaathi.
Masuku has been instrumental in Celtic’s fine start to the Absa Premiership campaign where they sit three points behind leaders Bidvest Wits and he said their coach has mandated him and his team-mates to finish in the top three.
Steve Komphela joined the side after a poor three years at Kaizer Chiefs and has found his groove at Celtic. His experience as a coach spanning close to two decades, paired with his experience as national and club captain in his playing days, is the kind of leadership Celtic need, Masuku believes.
“He is a big coach and it also rubs off on us ... he is very experienced and it shows in our game because we have improved under him. Our performances are evident that we are well-coached.”
With the Africa Cup of Nations qualification nearing for Bafana Bafana, Masuku feels he can do enough to convince Stuart Baxter he is worthy of a place in the national squad.
“I am really trying my best to get back into the team and I know Baxter is watching the team and hopefully he notices the good work we are doing.
“I have been part of the junior set-up and was part of the 2016 Olympic squad. I am one of those players who see themselves as one of the big guns in this league so I also want to be part of the national team and represent my nation at the highest level.”
Masuku is one of the players in the Absa Premiership who embraces the use of skill, which, when overcooked, is referred to as showboating. Fans applaud whenever Masuku and others display their skill. However, he has mastered the art of dribbling effectively, instead of showboating as referees are now quick to flash yellow cards.
“The game has changed, it is just that the coach wants us to do whatever we can to help the team win.”
Once you play for Orlando Pirates – a team widely regarded as one of the flagship teams of SA football – your next big move is often to rivals Chiefs or Mamelodi Sundowns. But in the case of Masuku, he was shipped off to lowprofile Chippa United before joining Celtic. How did he take it?
“It was a learning curve and I am still learning. I am excited about the experience and everything that has happened so far in my career, so I need to remain focused.
“I think this is the only part (focus) that lacks within my game and I am really trying hard to work on that.”
Masuku will go down as one of the multitude of players who have gone through the hands of the Black Prince, Jomo Sono, even though he only spent one season with Cosmos before he moved to Pirates where he showed some of his best football.
When he does hang up his boots – which is a fair way away as he is only in his mid-20s – he would like to be to be remembered as player who made a meaningful contribution at Phunya Sele Sele.
“I just want to be remembered as player who contributed positively to Celtic and I want to be in the history books of the club. I want to get some silverware for the club and that would be nice for the team and myself.”
I have been part of the junior setup and the 2016 Olympic squad.