From a World Cup breakthrough to a new chapter in Denmark, Thapelo Maseko is following a path that carries echoes of one of South Africa’s greatest exports: Sibusiso Zuma.

South African football has another reason to look towards Denmark.

Bafana Bafana winger Thapelo Maseko is set to continue his career with FC Copenhagen, with the 22-year-old making the move to one of Denmark’s biggest clubs after agreeing a three-year contract. The transfer follows an agreement between Copenhagen and Mamelodi Sundowns.

For Maseko, it represents more than simply a move abroad. It is an opportunity to reset, develop and establish himself on the European stage.

And perhaps fittingly, his destination is a club that already has a special place in South African football history.

Following in Zuma’s footsteps

Long before Maseko’s arrival in Copenhagen, another South African made Parken Stadium his stage.

Sibusiso Zuma joined FC Copenhagen in 2000 and went on to become one of the most iconic South African footballers to play in Denmark. He spent five seasons at the club, making 145 appearances and scoring 40 goals according to historical player records.

But Zuma’s legacy at Copenhagen cannot be measured by numbers alone.

He became a fan favourite, helped the club win the Danish championship and produced one of the most unforgettable goals in Danish football history.

In the 2000/01 season, Zuma scored an extraordinary bicycle kick against Brøndby in the Copenhagen derby. The goal was later voted the Danish Superliga Goal of the Year and, years later, was recognised by Copenhagen supporters as one of the greatest moments in the club’s history.

The goal became so iconic that FC Copenhagen eventually unveiled a monument celebrating Zuma’s famous bicycle kick outside Parken Stadium.

That is some legacy.

Zuma wasn’t simply a South African player who passed through Copenhagen. He became part of the club’s identity.

And now, more than two decades later, another South African is walking through the same door.

Maseko gets his European opportunity

Maseko’s journey to Denmark has taken a very different route.

After rising through the South African football system and making his name at SuperSport United, he joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. His time at Chloorkop was mixed, with limited opportunities eventually leading to a loan spell at AEL Limassol in Cyprus.

But his fortunes changed dramatically on the international stage.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Maseko became one of Bafana Bafana’s standout performers. He scored the winning goal against South Korea as South Africa reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time.

That performance put his name firmly back on the European radar.

Now, Copenhagen represents his next test.

The move also brings a fascinating twist to his story. According to Maseko’s representative, Glyn Binkin, Sibusiso Zuma played an influential role in helping facilitate the opportunity.

So there is a genuine connection between the two generations.

Zuma once built his reputation in Copenhagen.

Now, he has helped open the door for Maseko.

Another South African has been here before

Maseko and Zuma aren’t the only South Africans to have worn the FC Copenhagen shirt.

Elrio van Heerden also made the journey to Denmark, signing for Copenhagen in 2002. He eventually made his first-team debut in 2004 and made an immediate impact, scoring a crucial equaliser that helped set up Copenhagen’s title-clinching victory.

Van Heerden would go on to represent South Africa and later play for clubs including Club Brugge and Blackburn Rovers.

His Copenhagen chapter may not have reached the legendary status of Zuma’s, but it adds another layer to the South African connection.

Now it’s Maseko’s turn

The comparisons with Zuma should not become a burden for Maseko.

He has his own career to build.

At 22, he has time on his side, and his combination of pace, direct attacking play and international experience gives him the tools to make an impact in Denmark.

But there is something undeniably special about the symbolism.

A South African youngster who just helped Bafana Bafana make history at a World Cup is now heading to the same club where one of the country’s most entertaining footballers became a legend.

Zuma left behind a bicycle kick, trophies, unforgettable memories and a permanent place in Copenhagen folklore.

Maseko now gets the opportunity to write his own chapter.

The expectation shouldn’t be to become the next Sibusiso Zuma.

It should be to become the first Thapelo Maseko.

And if he can leave Copenhagen with even a fraction of the impact Zuma had, South African football will have another European success story worth celebrating.