Cape Town - Baroka
goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke may not have been rewarded by the
Premiership for his outrageous goal last season but been recognised by
FIFA for the annual Puskas award.
Last season Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Hlompho Kekana cracked the nod for the final nominations for the award but lost out to Malaysian winger Mohd Faiz Subri.
And this season the Bakgaga shot-stopper has earned international plaudits for his last-minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates where he scored an acrobatic bicycle kick.
After being pipped by Siphiwe Tshabalala for the goal of the season award via voters preference, Masuluke told Kickoff he's hopeful of winning something the second time around.
"I'm more than happy for such special recognition," he said. "It's the first time I'm being recognised for such an award. Not every player can be nominated for FIFA awards but I feel okay, no stress.
"The only thing I wish and pray for is that my goal makes the top three. I plead with the people of South Africa to vote for me. I'm the only South African in these awards competing with people who are playing overseas.
"I plead with everyone to take their time to vote, and not repeat the same mistake they did in the Absa Premiership awards by voting only with their mouths, assuming 'yeah, it's obvious Oscarine's goal is going to take it'. No please, let's vote."