Bafana Bafana might be home after an honourable, gritty exit from the group of death at the Africa Cup of Nations, but Mandla Masango's super strike against Ghana still stands a chance of being goal of the tournament.
The 2014-15 season will definitely go down as the breakthrough year in Masango's career, scoring and creating goals for Kaizer Chiefs after almost being loaned out at the start of the season.
"I had a glance at the keeper while the ball was in motion [towards me] and he was coming off his line. So by the time he tried to get back it was already too late," Masango said back in training for Chiefs at their Naturena village this week.
Bafana had the lead for the third time at the Afcon, and again capitulated to a late comeback to lose 2-1 and be on the plane home.
Masango does not believe a nightmare group that also included Algeria and Senegal intimidated SA.
"We gave them all a run for their money. They know exactly who we are now. It was no walk in the park for any of them," he said.
The 25-year-old winger's goal is sure to have attracted the attention of some among the army of scouts who descend on the Afcon.
"Actually, ever since I started playing, every time I don the Chiefs or Bafana jersey I give my all regardless of who's watching," Masango said.
"Because at the end of the day I want to represent my club and country with pride and dignity.
"Only time will tell if the Afcon has enhanced my chances of a move to Europe."
Masango has been at Chiefs since 2007, but he has only become a central player in coach Stuart Baxter's game plan this season.
The Afcon experience has made Masango even more streetwise in Africa. This could make him an important player as Amakhosi embark on their CAF Champions League campaign with their first-leg match against Botswana's Township Rollers at FNB Stadium next weekend.
We gave them all a run for their money: Masango
Bafana Bafana might be home after an honourable, gritty exit from the group of death at the Africa Cup of Nations, but Mandla Masango's super strike against Ghana still stands a chance of being goal of the tournament.
The 2014-15 season will definitely go down as the breakthrough year in Masango's career, scoring and creating goals for Kaizer Chiefs after almost being loaned out at the start of the season.
"I had a glance at the keeper while the ball was in motion [towards me] and he was coming off his line. So by the time he tried to get back it was already too late," Masango said back in training for Chiefs at their Naturena village this week.
Bafana had the lead for the third time at the Afcon, and again capitulated to a late comeback to lose 2-1 and be on the plane home.
Masango does not believe a nightmare group that also included Algeria and Senegal intimidated SA.
"We gave them all a run for their money. They know exactly who we are now. It was no walk in the park for any of them," he said.
The 25-year-old winger's goal is sure to have attracted the attention of some among the army of scouts who descend on the Afcon.
"Actually, ever since I started playing, every time I don the Chiefs or Bafana jersey I give my all regardless of who's watching," Masango said.
"Because at the end of the day I want to represent my club and country with pride and dignity.
"Only time will tell if the Afcon has enhanced my chances of a move to Europe."
Masango has been at Chiefs since 2007, but he has only become a central player in coach Stuart Baxter's game plan this season.
The Afcon experience has made Masango even more streetwise in Africa. This could make him an important player as Amakhosi embark on their CAF Champions League campaign with their first-leg match against Botswana's Township Rollers at FNB Stadium next weekend.
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