Head coach Hugo Broos has revealed one player that exceeded his expectations during this week's Bafana Bafana camp ahead of an upcoming clash against Morocco.
South Africa is set to lock horns with Morocco on 17 June for an African Cup of Nations qualifier clash, although the two teams have both qualified.
Following a week-long pre-camp, Broos named a final 23-man squad trimmed down from the 30-man preliminary squad named towards the end of May.
READ | Hugo Broos names latest Bafana squad to take on Morocco
The Belgian mentor says he was surprised by SuperSport United's Thapelo Maseko who joined the senior national team set up for the first time.
"I was surprised by him, what he showed us at the pre-camp," confessed Broos.
"I saw him play with SuperSport, I thought he was a good layer but when I saw him now in the pre-camp, he gave me more than I thought. He's quick, he's strong even though he is not a tall guy but he is strong in duels."
19-year-old Thapelo Maseko, what a player ?? pic.twitter.com/XAJabIdOQc
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) January 16, 2023
Maseko has been in sensational form for Matsatsantsa this season, contributing four goals and two assists in 24 appearances. The 19-year-old was also nominated for the DStv Premiership Player of the Season award.
"He pleases me a lot, he has a good centre, a good left foot. He is working hard, he's not a lazy player so I think he deserves a chance to be with us and maybe, lets' see how the game goes, maybe we can give him some minutes also," added Broos.
"But I think it's time that he is with us. He has the qualities and I think it's time now for him he has to have the experience. I think it was already a good thing for him that he was with us in the pre-camp so yes, very good player."
The qualifier against Morocco will be played at FNB Stadium.
Kick-off is at 17:00.
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