"He needs to learn to pass the ball" - Fans worried about South Africa star in starting XI ahead of their FIFA World Cup clash vs Canada

× Fans were worried about South Africa star Thapelo Maseko's style of play ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Canada (June 28). Ad Maseko scored the only goal in Bafana Bafana's must-win final group stage clash against South Korea. The strike took his nation into their first-ever knockout round at the FIFA World Cup.

While the 22-year-old has earned cult heroic status in many fans' eyes, some are worried about his tendency to play individually rather than pass the ball. After South Africa's line-up was announced for the fixture against Canada, fans took to X to express their opinions. Ad Trending One fan wrote: "I’m fine with the lineup provided Maseko has been informed that football is not a one man game.

He needs to learn to pass the ball." Dr. Caller #G20Summit2025 @SuperLife_LisG@UnplayableZA I’m fine with the lineup provided Maseko has been informed that football is not a one man game.

He needs to learn to pass the ball.⚽️ Ad One fan posted a GIF of a woman praying, with the caption: "For Maseko to stop glory hunting." 🏴‍☠️🇿🇦🇨🇮🇫🇷🇵🇹 @misschichi_3For maseko to stop glory hunting 😭😭😭😭 Ad A fan claimed: "Khuliso Mudau is going to work overtime today.

I hope Maseko is ready to track back and help because, with this one on the pitch, the team literally has two left wingers." 2025/2026 betway champions 🏴‍☠️🖤🤍🏆 @MadimetjaErensKhuliso Mudau is going to work overtime today 😭😭 I hope Maseko is ready to track back and help because, with this one on the pitch, the team literally has two left wingers 🤦‍♂️😂⚽ Ad Another fan asserted: "Maseko better not be selfish with the ball again!" Lebo.

D🇮🇹☠️🏆🏆🏆 @lebzarationMaseko better not be selfish with the ball again!😩 Ad Agreeing with the overarching sentiments, another supporter wrote: "Maseko please no selfishness today pass the ball!!" 30 JUNE🤟No Ubuntu!!!

@TheeIconikMaseko please no selfishness today pass the ball!! #BafanaBafana Ad "As long as Maseko isn't greedy, we're going through." Nhlamv'yesende @Compound_VeeAs long as Maseko isn't greedy, we're going through.

Ad Thus far, Maseko has the highest attempted dribbles per 100 touches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (16.1). However, he has completed just 37.

5% of those attempts (1.7 per 90 minutes, stats via FotMob). "It will be a miracle" - South Africa boss Hugo Broos makes claim about advancing to Round of 16 at 2026 FIFA World Cup South Africa manager Hugo Broos has claimed that it will be a 'miracle' if his side advances into the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ad At 74 years of age, Broos became the oldest coach in World Cup history when he took charge of Bafana Bafana in their opening-day loss to Mexico (2-0, June 11). His side bounced back strongly to draw 1-1 with Czechia and shock South Korea with a 1-0 win to qualify for the Round of 32. Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash with Canada, Broos, who played for Belgium at the 1986 World Cup, said (via Times Live): Ad "I think if we can show the same level and mentality we showed against South Korea (1-0 win), then we have a chance to win it...

If we go to the third round (Round of 16), all I can say is that it will be a miracle for Bafana. This is important, and it doesn't mean we are happy to play the game and go home."South Africa and Canada will face off in the first-ever Round of 32 fixture in the history of the FIFA World Cup on Sunday (June 28).

× Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Aaryan Nagraj Fans were worried about South Africa star Thapelo Maseko's style of play ahead of their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Canada (June 28). Ad Maseko scored the only goal in Bafana Bafana's must-win final group stage clash against South Korea.

The strike took his nation into their first-ever knockout round at the FIFA World Cup. While the 22-year-old has earned cult heroic status in many fans' eyes, some are worried about his tendency to play individually rather than pass the ball. After South Africa's line-up was announced for the fixture against Canada, fans took to X to express their opinions.

Ad Trending One fan wrote: "I’m fine with the lineup provided Maseko has been informed that football is not a one man game. He needs to learn to pass the ball." Dr.

Caller #G20Summit2025 @SuperLife_LisG@UnplayableZA I’m fine with the lineup provided Maseko has been informed that football is not a one man game. He needs to learn to pass the ball.⚽️ Ad One fan posted a GIF of a woman praying, with the caption: "For Maseko to stop glory hunting."

🏴‍☠️🇿🇦🇨🇮🇫🇷🇵🇹 @misschichi_3For maseko to stop glory hunting 😭😭😭😭 Ad A fan claimed: "Khuliso Mudau is going to work overtime today. I hope Maseko is ready to track back and help because, with this one on the pitch, the team literally has two left wingers." 2025/2026 betway champions 🏴‍☠️🖤🤍🏆 @MadimetjaErensKhuliso Mudau is going to work overtime today 😭😭 I hope Maseko is ready to track back and help because, with this one on the pitch, the team l