Posted in News on Oct 15, 2013.
Tsepo Masilela has joined the exclusive club of South African footballers who have hit the 50 Caps mark, playing for the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
Masilela (28) first donned the national team jersey back in 2006 when Bafana Bafana played against Zambia in the African Nations Cup held in Egypt. The left back, joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2012 following his stints in the Spanish La Liga side, Getafe, and Israeli side, Maccabi Haifa.
Masilela, reached his milestone when he played in the International Friendly against the Atlas Lions of Morocco on the 11th of October 2013. The left back returned to full training with his teammates this morning, after spending a week on national duty.
“It is all about being humble, taking instructions and advice from the Coaches and the right people. Look, I had my fair share of injuries but I remained committed to keep going. It shows that when you get opportunities in life, you must use them. I came back to South Africa and won two major titles with Chiefs, and that’s every footballer’s dream to win things. I am humbled and will continue to work hard in order to achieve more.
It is also about hard work and focus. My mother is playing a crucial role in my career and I am thankful for that. I feel good after reaching this milestone and I hope, with God willing, I will achieve more,” the soft spoken Masilela told kaizerchiefs.com.
Masilela was the first player in the National First Division to be selected to play in the senior national team.
The players that have donned the Bafana Bafana jersey for 50 or more Caps and currently playing for the Amakhosi are Siphiwe Tshabalala (83), Bernard Parker (61), Itumeleng Khune (60), Siboniso Gaxa (54) joined in this rank of 50 Caps is the Assistant Coach, Doctor Khumalo (50).
The others that have played for Chiefs at one stage in their football career and achieved the same milestone are Siyabonga Nomvete (82), Shaun Bartlett (74), John Moshoeu (70), Neil Tovey (52).
The Amakhosi would like to congratulate Masilela and wish him many more Caps to come.
