Celebrity News
Meet Thapelo Maseko: The Hero of South Africa’s Historic World Cup Night
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.
Lamiez Holworthy-Morule has been taken to hospital where she is undergoing an operation. Her management confirmed the news, saying her condition is not life-threatening.
The incident has forced Lamiez to put her professional commitments on hold. She was scheduled to attend several events in August, but they are all on hold.
According to a statement from her management, Lamiez required urgent medical attention. However, no details are given.
Photo: Instagram/@lamiez_holworthy
Her management has confirmed that the situation is stable, although time is needed further to recuperate fully. They said:
“Lamiez Holworthy was rushed to hospital and required an emergency surgical procedure,”
Event promoters, organisers, clients and partners involved in her upcoming bookings will need to adjust their plans following the unexpected medical emergency.
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Meanwhile, management said events cancelled will be rescheduled once Lamiez has recovered. The new dates will depend on when she is cleared by the medical staff authorities. Their statement reads:
“This will affect remaining events tonight and on August 10…. “
Photo: Instagram/@lamiez_holworthy
Furthermore, fans have shown concern since the news became public. There have been several messages of support and good. wishes shared online. Teboho Matima tweeted:
“Wish you a speedy recovery soon 🙏 our entertainer”
However, Lamiez’s management has not disclosed additional medical information. They request for understanding saying:
“We kindly ask that her privacy be respected.. .”
The entertainer’s temporary break from work shows the uncertainty that can come with an emergency medical situation. Despite having a busy professional calendar, her aim is recovering from the surgery.
Bonang Matheba will receive the Trailblazer Award at the 2026 Basadi in Music Awards to recognise her contribution to South African entertainment.
The ceremony will be hosted by Anele Zondo, Moozlie, Unathi, and Lerato Kganyago. This 2026 ceremony marks the fifth edition and is now a two-night celebration. The Vanguard Circle and Main Awards are part of the event.
Artists that will perform at the event include : Lira, Kelly Khumalo, Nothando Hlophe, MaWhoo, Thatohatsi, and Makhadzi. For Artist of the Year, Tyla, Ayra Starr, MaWhoo are among the top nominees.
Photo: Instagram
Responding to the award, Matheba said;
“Thank you to the Basadi in Music Awards for this incredible honour. To be recognised alongside women who’ve shaped this industry is a privilege I don’t take for granted.”
Matheba became the first South African celebrity to launch an online reality show and was named one of Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in Africa.
Read Also: Bonang Matheba Makes a Statement in Pink Gucci at the 2026 Zeitz MOCCA Gala
Matheba has attended various international events. Some events she attended are the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity (2026) and Miss Cosmo Grand Finale in Vietnam (2025)
The organisers have introduced a Pan-African expansion for the fifth edition. Selected categories allow artists, creators, and other professionals beyond South Africa to participate.
Photo:Instagram
The main awards feature 28 categories covering different areas. Public voting for the competitive categories has closed, with the results verified before the ceremony.
According to the Basadi in Music Awards rules, the organisers can give additional honorary awards through a special committee. The award will be presented during the ceremony at Joburg Theatre on August 8. The theme is Rewind and the campaign Africa to the World.
Tems has become the first female Africaartist to be credited on an RIAA Diamond-certified single. The achievement came through Future’s hit song “WAIT FOR U,” featuring Drake and Tems.
The RIAA confirmed the certification as part of its latest list of award updates. Released in April 2022, Future single became a hit. The track includes Tems’ 2020 song “Higher,” The song gave Future his first chart-topping single as a lead artist.
The Diamond certification is one of the RIAA’s highest recognitions. It is awarded only after a song reaches at least 10 million certified units in the United States.
Photo: Instagram
Tems’ gained wider recognition with her 2019 single “Try Me” before achieving global success through Wizkid’s “Essence.” She has since collaborated with artists including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Brent Faiyaz.
Read Also: Tems Launches South Africa Edition of Leading Vibe Initiative
Her success is not just tied to streaming numbers alone. She won several international awards. She has a Grammy in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category and also four BET Awards. Her talent has earned her praise from different artists including Rihanna.
Photo: Instagram
While several African musicians have received multi Platinum certifications in the United States, Diamond status remains rare. Tems becoming the first African woman to earn the certification.
The RIAA Diamond certification shows how African artists continue to break barriers. As Tem’s international profile grows, this latest milestone will inspire more female artists to aim for global success.
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