TBT: Oscar Masuluke Being Robbed Of The Puskas Award

Jul 13, 2023 - 02:00 pm

By Lusanda Luthuli

TBT: Oscar Masuluke Being Robbed Of The Puskas Award

After completing his move to Stellenbosch FC, we take a look back at when Oscar Masuluke was robbed of a Puskas Award. Check it out!

What's the story?

Former Baroka goalkeeper Oscarine Masuluke has penned a long-term deal at Stellenbosch FC, which has prompted us to look back at his second-place finish for the FIFA Puskas Award.

Easily the standout of the 30-year-old's career, Masuluke's wonder striker shocked the entire football world who tipped him to grab the prestigious award back in 2017.

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Let's take a closer look at how he unfairly missed out on the prize...

Oscar Masuluke Being Robbed Of The Puskas Award

Masuluke will add plenty of experience and know-how to the Stellenbosch squad ahead of the 2023/24 season, a player who will always be remembered for arguably the best goal we've seen from a keeper.

In a match against Orlando Pirates during the 2016/17 season, then Baroka FC shot stopper Masuluke did the unthinkable by scoring a bicycle kick in the dying moments of the game to secure a point.

Trailing 1-0 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with just seconds left, Baroka were in desperate need of a point against Pirates, which encouraged Masuluke to venture forward and add numbers to the attacking corner.

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The corner was initially cleared by the Buccaneers defence, before bouncing up just inside of the penalty area, from where Masuluke unleashed a remarkable bicycle kick.

The goal still goes down as an iconic PSL moment and it went viral on social media, making Masuluke an overnight celebrity.

The incredible strike was shortlisted in the top three for the 2017 FIFA Puskas Award. Unfortunately for Masuluke, Olivier Giroud's audacious scorpion kick for Arsenal in the English Premier League against Crystal Palace came out as the winner.

Re-live the outrageous strike:

As much as the Frenchman's effort was appreciated, his goal had an element of luck to it - which is why it felt like Masuluke was robbed.

Giroud being a more high-profile player could've added to him walking away with the award. Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane voted for Masuluke to win the award on the night, with Ronaldo giving his backing to Masuluke by saying:

"I like the Giroud goal but I have to give credit to the goalkeeper. He never goes forwards and he tried (scored) an amazing goal too. So both‚ I think‚ are great," said CR7 on the night.