SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews has revealed that the club has a budding talent that he believes will surpass the impact made by former academy stars such as Kermit Erasmus, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Teboho Mokoena. Matthews believes that Thapelo Maseko is the best of the bunch, and is already attracting interest from abroad.
The club’s squad depth was tested in their last 32 Nedbank Cup match against amateur side Dondol Stars from Mamelodi, Tshwane. Head coach Gavin Hunt rotated the team, giving youngsters such as Neo Rapoo, Bilal Baloyi and Thapelo Maseko a chance to prove themselves, but the move backfired and Matsatsantsa were knocked out of the tournament.
Despite the setback, Matthews is adamant that the current generation of players is more talented and equipped than previous generations, and has praised the impact of the DStv Diski Challenge on the development of younger players. Matthews believes that Maseko is six years ahead of his time, having scored 30 goals in the Diski Challenge over the past two seasons.
“I can state unreservedly without any fear of contradiction from any chairman in the PSL that the Diski Challenge has been a complete game-changer for us,” said Matthews.
“We certainly would not have a situation right now where we have Thapelo Maseko who is coming to the PSL as a young 19-year old, scored three goals already in the PSL, if you compare that to a 25-year old Grant Margeman for example.”
