Before Thapelo Maseko helped South Africa reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time, he had already established himself as one of the country’s rising football talents. His journey has included success at youth international level, a move to Mamelodi Sundowns and a breakthrough with the senior national team.

Born on 11 June 2003, Maseko grew up in Eatonside, Sebokeng, south of Johannesburg. He began playing football at a young age, with the support of his family. His father, a truck driver, helped him attend training sessions and matches as he progressed through the youth ranks.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

Maseko’s talent became widely recognised during his time in junior football. He represented South Africa at youth level and made a significant impression at the 2022 COSAFA Under-20 Championship, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer and won the Golden Boot.

His performances at youth level opened the door to senior football with SuperSport United. Comfortable on either wing, Maseko established himself as a quick and direct attacker who enjoys taking on defenders and creating chances in wide areas. His performances in the Premier Soccer League earned him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2023.

Joining a squad filled with experienced internationals meant competition for places was intense, and regular first-team opportunities did not come immediately. He continued his development while competing for opportunities in the first team.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

His progress was interrupted by injury during the 2024-25 season, limiting his appearances for Sundowns. Despite the setback, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos continued to include him in the national team squad.

That decision proved significant during South Africa’s final Group A match at the FIFA World Cup.

South Africa entered the match against South Korea needing a positive result to keep their World Cup campaign alive. In the 63rd minute, Tshepang Moremi broke into space and delivered a low cross into the penalty area. Maseko timed his run and guided the ball into the bottom corner to score the only goal of the match.

The strike secured a 1-0 victory and sent Bafana Bafana into the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history. It became the defining moment of Maseko’s international career to date.

Thapelo Maseko – Instagram

After the final whistle, Maseko described the achievement as “unbelievable” and thanked supporters who had backed the team throughout the tournament. He also credited the team’s collective effort for the historic result.

At 23, Maseko has already experienced success at youth level, competition for places at club level, injury setbacks and a historic moment in South African football. His winning goal against South Korea secured his place in Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup story.

As South Africa prepare for the knockout stage, Maseko heads into the next phase of the tournament following the defining moment of his international career.

Thuli Phongolo has addressed online speculation about her private life, firmly denying claims that she is romantically involved with DJ Prince Kaybee and  Edwin. The actress is the subject of social media relationship rumours, has dismissed the latest allegations.

The rumours began circulating on social media platforms where Chris Excel, a troll, suggested she had interactions that were interpreted as romantic.

Responding, Thuli Phongolo made it clear that she is not in any romantic relationship with either. She says such narratives are not true. She urged the public to stop attaching her name to such news.

Photo: Instagram

Kaybee responded to Chris with a funny caption,

“Lol you motherfucker “

Thuli was not happy with this response and urged him to tell the truth. She replied,

“Uhm, since when? 

If you’re going to entertain it, you might as well clear it with the TRUTH. I’ve never slept with you or Edwin for that matter! This whole narrative of trying to paint me as loose is tired, I don’t play with my p*ssy please! “

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This is not the first time Phongolo has faced dating rumours. She was linked to several  DJ Maphorisa earlier in the year. In every rumor linked to her, she has always said her relationships are private.

Phongolo claims she was not dating anyone. She asked the public to avoid spreading unfounded rumours that could affect her image.

Photo: Instagram

The latest wave of speculation highlights  issues faced by many South African celebrities. In Phongolo’s case, attending public functions with someone triggers dating rumours.

Despite the distractions, Phongolo hopes to grow her brand in entertainment. Her denials suggest her stance on keeping boundaries between public and personal life.

She has now made it clear that the claims linking her to Prince Kaybee and Edwin are untrue, urging the public to discard them.

After months of speculation, Tom Holland has confirmed that he and longtime partner Zendaya are married. This came during a recent interview with Esquire UK, ending widespread rumours that had circulated since early 2026.

Holland addressed the topic while discussing a series of AI-generated wedding photos that went viral online earlier this year. The images appeared showing the couple at a wedding ceremony and sparked intense debate among fans. When asked whether he had to explain the fake photos to his family, Holland replied,

Photo: Instagram

“No, because they were all there.” 

“The wedding has already happened. You missed it,” 

He immediately followed the remark by saying,

“That’s all you’ll get on that,”

And didn’t comment any further

This is the first time either Holland or Zendaya has publicly acknowledged their marriage. Although rumours had circulated for months, the couple continues to decline any discussion about their private lives. In March Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, suggested during an interview that they are already married.

Photo: Getty Images

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Their first meeting was while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming. Despite dating rumours surrounding them for years, they have kept it to themselves. There were reports that the couple became engaged during the 2024 holiday season, none of them confirmed it.

In the same interview, Holland talked about the importance of their relationship. He described Zendaya as his “best friend” and said their bond helped him through the pressures of the entertainment industry. Holland said that having a supportive relationship has helped him. He added that he feels happiest when he is with her because she is someone who understands the challenges faced in the industry.

Photo: Getty Images

Zendaya appeared to support the news during promotional events for their upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day. During appearances in Amsterdam, she was seen wearing a wedding band. The couple also made a rare joint public appearance while promoting the film.

Holland’s confirmation brings closure to months of speculation. While the newlyweds remain committed to protecting their personal lives, the actor’s comments have officially confirmed what many had suspected for months.