# Mandla Masango > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mandla_Masango > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mandla_Masango.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandla_Masango > Source revision: 1352584606 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|South African Football player (born 1989)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2019}} {{Use South African English|date=May 2019}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Mandla Masango | image = | image_size = | caption = | fullname = Mandla Grateful Masango{{cite web |title=FIFA U-20 World Cup Egypt 2009™: List of Players: South Africa |url=http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/10/28/62/fwyc_2009_squadlists.pdf |publisher=FIFA |page=16 |date=6 October 2009 |access-date=26 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091013164551/http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/tournament/competition/01/10/28/62/fwyc_2009_squadlists.pdf |archive-date=13 October 2009 }} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|07|18|df=y}} | birth_place = [Kwaggafontein](/source/Kwaggafontein), [South Africa](/source/South_Africa) | height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}} | position = [Right winger](/source/Winger_(association_football)) | currentclub = | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = | youthyears2 = | youthyears3 = | youthclubs1 = Mega Force | youthclubs2 = [HP Silver Stars](/source/Platinum_Stars) | youthclubs3 = Walter Stars | years1 = 2007–2015 | clubs1 = [Kaizer Chiefs](/source/Kaizer_Chiefs) | caps1 = 105 | goals1 = 11 | years2 = 2015–2018 | clubs2 = [Randers FC](/source/Randers_FC) | caps2 = 29 | goals2 = 7 | years3 = 2017 | clubs3 = → [SuperSport United](/source/SuperSport_United_F.C.) (loan) | caps3 = 13 | goals3 = 3 | nationalyears1 = 2006 | nationalteam1 = South Africa U-17 | nationalcaps1 = 3 | nationalgoals1 = 2 | nationalyears2 = 2009 | nationalteam2 = [South Africa U-20](/source/South_Africa_national_under-20_football_team) | nationalcaps2 = 4 | nationalgoals2 = 1 | nationalyears3 = 2011 | nationalteam3 = South Africa U-23 | nationalcaps3 = 3 | nationalgoals3 = 3 | nationalyears4 = 2013– | nationalteam4 = [South Africa](/source/South_Africa_national_football_team) | nationalcaps4 = 13 | nationalgoals4 = 4 | club-update = 18 June 2016 | nationalteam-update = 5 July 2015 }} '''Mandla {{Proper name|Greatful}} Masango''' (born July 18, 1989) is a South African [footballer](/source/association_football) who most recently played as a [right winger](/source/Winger_(association_football)) for [Randers](/source/Randers_FC) in [Denmark](/source/Denmark).[http://www.bold.dk/fodbold/nyheder/masango-forlader-randers-fc/ Masango forlader Randers FC]‚ bold.dk, 31 January 2017 Masango represented [South Africa](/source/South_Africa_national_football_team) at various youth levels and has been a full international since making his senior debut in 2013. ==Club career== ===Kaizer Chiefs=== Masango joined [Kaizer Chiefs](/source/Kaizer_Chiefs) in 2007 ahead of the [2007–08 Premier Soccer League](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_Premier_Soccer_League) season. He made his debut against [Thanda Royal Zulu](/source/Thanda_Royal_Zulu) on 15 August 2007, scoring the Chiefs' first goal in a 2–0 win. He has gradually become a regular in the club's first team, making ten league appearances in 2009–10, before playing 20 league games in 2010–11.{{cite web | url = https://int.soccerway.com/players/mandla-masango/62362/ | title = Soccerway – Mandla Masango | work = Soccerway | access-date = 10 September 2011}} He has played twice so far in the 2011–12 season. Masango also scored for Kaiser Chiefs in their 2–0 win over [Mpumalanga Black Aces](/source/Mpumalanga_Black_Aces) on 24 February 2010, again opening the scoring.{{cite web | url = https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2010/02/24/south-africa/premier-soccer-league/kaizer-chiefs/mpumalanga-black-aces/796857/ | title = Kaizer Chiefs vs. Mpumalanga Black Aces 2–0 | work = Soccerway | accessdate = 10 September 2011}} In the 2012–13 season where Chiefs won a league and cup double, Masango played only nine league games.{{Cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/52993/Mandla_Masango.html|title=Mandla Masango|last=Strack-Zimmermann|first=Benjamin|website=national-football-teams.com|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} In 2013–14, he made his [CAF Champions League](/source/CAF_Champions_League) debut against [Black Africa](/source/Black_Africa) and scored a [scissor kick](/source/Bicycle_kick) from a [Knowledge Musona](/source/Knowledge_Musona) cross in the 3–0 win.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kickoff.com/mobile/news/41319/kaizer-chiefs-beat-black-africa|title=Kaizer Chiefs beat Black Africa|last=realnet.co.uk|website=Kick Off|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-06-02}} He also came off the bench in the [Nedbank Cup](/source/Nedbank_Cup) Last 16 match and scored a diving header against [ABC Motsepe League](/source/ABC_Motsepe_League) side [FC Buffalo](/source/FC_Buffalo_(South_Africa)).{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/leagues/nedbank-cup-0/nedbank-cup-post-match-kaizer-chiefs-v-fc-buffalo-2/157455|title=Nedbank Cup Post-match: Kaizer Chiefs V FC Buffalo|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=27 March 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} At the end of the season, he attracted interest from [Sweden](/source/Sweden) [Superettan](/source/Superettan) club, [Landskrona BoIS](/source/Landskrona_BoIS) which already had a [South Africa](/source/South_Africa)n in their team with Bradley Ralani.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/leagues/south-african-premier-soccer-league/mandla-masango-attracted-attention-from-landskrona/170584|title=Mandla Masango Attracted Attention From Landskrona|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=25 July 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} He also received an offer from [Mpumalanga Black Aces](/source/Mpumalanga_Black_Aces) but the deal was put on ice after they found out about his high salary.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/leagues/south-african-premier-soccer-league/mandla-masango-could-remain-with-chiefs-in-2014-15/169494|title=Mandla Masango Could Remain With Chiefs In 2014/15...|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=16 July 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} He was also on the verge of being loaned to [Ajax Cape Town](/source/Ajax_Cape_Town) or [Moroka Swallows](/source/Moroka_Swallows).{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/south-africa/mandla-masango-earns-player-of-the-month-award/176471|title=Mandla Masango Earns Player Of The Month Award|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=11 September 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango started off the 2014–15 season with a brace in a 4–0 win over [Mpumalanga Black Aces](/source/Mpumalanga_Black_Aces) in the MTN8.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/leagues/mtn8/mtn8-quarter-final-report-kaizer-chiefs-4-0-mp-black-aces/171670|title=MTN8 Quarter-final Report: Kaizer Chiefs 4–0 MP Black Aces|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=3 August 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} He scored his first league goal of 2014–15 in a 2–1 win over [Mpumalanga Black Aces](/source/Mpumalanga_Black_Aces) on 13 August 2013.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/south-africa/absa-premiership-report-kaizer-chiefs-mpumalanga-black-aces/173129|title=Absa Premiership Report: Kaizer Chiefs – Mpumalanga Black Aces|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=13 August 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} He also scored a solitary goal against [Bloemfontein Celtic](/source/Bloemfontein_Celtic) in the 81st minute on 19 August 2014.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/south-africa/absa-premiership-match-report-kaizer-chiefs-1-0-bloemfontein-celtic-19-august-2014/173983|title=Absa Premiership Match Report: Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 Bloemfontein Celtic 19 August 2014|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=19 August 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} On 11 September 2014, Masango and [Stuart Baxter](/source/Stuart_Baxter) were named ABSA Premiership Player and Coach of the Month.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/south-africa/mandla-masango-earns-player-of-the-month-award/176471|title=Mandla Masango Earns Player Of The Month Award|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=11 September 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} After being rested against [University of Pretoria](/source/University_of_Pretoria), he played in the 1–0 win over [Orlando Pirates](/source/Orlando_Pirates) in the MTN8 2014 Final. Masango scored a solitary penalty goal in the 45th minute against [Maritzburg United](/source/Maritzburg_United) on 27 September 2014.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/south-africa/absa-premiership-report-kaizer-chiefs-1-0-maritzburg-united-27-september-2014/177956|title=Absa Premiership Report: Kaizer Chiefs 1–0 Maritzburg United 27 September 2014|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=28 September 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango eventually attracted the interest of [Ligue 1](/source/Ligue_1) club [Rennes](/source/Stade_Rennais_F.C.) which hoped to sign him in January or the end of 2014–15 shouldn't his contract be extended.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/multimedia-laduma-tv/the-story-behind-siyagobhoza-84/193761|title=The Story Behind Siyagobhoza|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=26 November 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} The club planned to send a representative for the then upcoming [Soweto derby](/source/Soweto_derby) but was postponed as it was on the day of the funeral of the late South African national team captain [Senzo Meyiwa](/source/Senzo_Meyiwa). The club later revealed that Rennes would send a scout to watch him at the [2015 African Cup of Nations](/source/2015_African_Cup_of_Nations).{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/teams/kaizer-chiefs/mandla-masango-is-being-watched-by-rennes/193848|title=Mandla Masango Is Being Watched By Rennes|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=29 November 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} On his last Chiefs match, Masango scored a header on 9 May 2015 in a 2–0 win over [Chippa United](/source/Chippa_United).{{Cite web|url=http://www.kickoff.com/mobile/news/55248/chippa-united-kaizer-chiefs-psl-report|title=Chippa United Kaizer Chiefs PSL report|last=realnet.co.uk|website=Kick Off|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango attracted the likes of [Rennes](/source/Stade_Rennais_F.C.), Anorthorsis Famagusta and [Hapoel Tel Aviv](/source/Hapoel_Tel_Aviv). ===Randers=== On 13 August 2015 it was announced that Masango had reach an agreement with [Randers](/source/Randers_FC) on a free transfer. On 30 August 2015, Masango made his debut in a 2–0 win over [AaB](/source/Aalborg_Boldspilklub) where he scored the second goal in the 82nd minute.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/players-abroad/south-african-players-abroad-198/216731|title=South African Players Abroad|website=soccerladuma.co.za|date=30 August 2015|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} ==Style of play== Masango is of lean and diminutive build. [Muhsin Ertugral](/source/Muhsin_Ertugral) who signed Masango in 2007 compared him to ''maverick genius'' [Jabu Pule](/source/Jabu_Pule) who he said had ''ability to read and change the game, and create spaces as well as bravely take on defenders''.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/leagues/south-african-premier-soccer-league/muhsin-ertugral-thinks-mandla-masango-is-like-jabu-pule/174950|title=Muhsin Ertugral thinks Mandla Masango is like Jabu Pule.|website=www.soccerladuma.co.za|date=30 August 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango plays as a right winger, secondary striker and also as an attacking midfielder.{{Cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/52993/Mandla_Masango.html|title=Mandla Masango|last=Strack-Zimmermann|first=Benjamin|website=www.national-football-teams.com|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango was also described as Le [James](/source/James_Rodriguez) Noir.{{cite web|url=http://www.sofoot.com/vine-la-volee-de-masango-195325.html|title=vine la volee de masango|publisher=sofoot.com|accessdate=2020-03-05}} FifaPlayerRatings.com suggests that Masango would excel more as a [forward](/source/Forward_(association_football)) for his "better finishing ability than most midfielders" and "above average balance" and ranks him in the top 20% of attacking players in [FIFA 15](/source/FIFA_15) and the 270th best Right Midfielder in the game.{{cite web|url=http://fifa-player-ratings.pointafter.com/l/4798/Mandla-Masango|title=Mandla Masango — Fifa ratings|publisher=fifaplayerratings.pointafter.com|accessdate=2020-03-05}} ==Personal life== Masango has a diploma in General Management and is currently studying project management at Boston City Campus.{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/teams/kaizer-chiefs/mandla-masango-is-studying-project-management/178355|title=Mandla Masango Is Studying Project Management|website=www.soccerladuma.co.za|date=2 October 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} ==International career== ===International goals=== :''Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first.'' {| class="wikitable" |- ! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition |- | 1. || 20 July 2013 || [Levy Mwanawasa Stadium](/source/Levy_Mwanawasa_Stadium), [Ndola](/source/Ndola) || {{fb|LES}} || '''1'''–1 || '''2'''–1 || [Friendly](/source/Exhibition_game) |- | 2. || 27 January 2015 || [Estadio de Mongomo](/source/Estadio_de_Mongomo), [Mongomo](/source/Mongomo) || {{fb|GHA}} || '''1'''–0 || '''1'''–2 || [2015 Africa Cup of Nations](/source/2015_Africa_Cup_of_Nations) |- | 3. || 25 March 2015 || [Somhlolo National Stadium](/source/Somhlolo_National_Stadium), [Lobamba](/source/Lobamba) || {{fb|SWZ|name=Swaziland}} || '''3'''–1 || '''3'''–1 || Friendly |- | 4. || 5 July 2015 || [Stade Anjalay](/source/Stade_Anjalay), [Belle Vue Maurel](/source/Belle_Vue_Maurel) || {{fb|Mauritius}} || '''1'''–0 || '''2'''–0 || [2016 African Nations Championship qualification](/source/2016_African_Nations_Championship_qualification) |} ===U-17 and U-20=== Masango has the unusual distinction of having scored on his debut for every national side he has represented.{{cite web | url = http://m.kaizerchiefs.com/?name=kaizerchiefs&artId=370136&i=4690&showonly=1 | title = Upbeat Masango focused on Maritzburg challenge | work = Kaizer Chiefs F.C | accessdate = 10 September 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120325163631/http://m.kaizerchiefs.com/?name=kaizerchiefs&artId=370136&i=4690&showonly=1 | archive-date = 2012-03-25 | url-status = dead }} He made three appearances, scoring twice, for South Africa U-17 before moving on to the U-20 team, where he played four times, three of these games coming at the [2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup](/source/2009_FIFA_U-20_World_Cup). Masango scored a consolation in the 6–1 defeat to [Germany U-20](/source/Germany_national_under-20_football_team) on 5 September 2009, in a World Cup warm-up match. ===U-20 appearances and goals=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Result !! Competition !! Goals |- | 1 || 5 September 2009 || [Sportpark Husterhöhe](/source/Sportpark_Husterh%C3%B6he), [Pirmasens](/source/Pirmasens) || [Germany U-20](/source/Germany_national_under-20_football_team) || L 6–1 || Friendly || 1 |- | 2 || 27 September 2009 || [Alexandria Stadium](/source/Alexandria_Stadium), [Alexandria](/source/Alexandria) || [United Arab Emirates U-20](/source/United_Arab_Emirates_national_under-20_football_team) || D 2–2 || [2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup](/source/2009_FIFA_U-20_World_Cup) || |- | 3 || 30 September 2009 || [Alexandria Stadium](/source/Alexandria_Stadium), [Alexandria](/source/Alexandria) || [Hungary U-20](/source/Hungary_national_under-20_football_team) || L 4–0 || [2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup](/source/2009_FIFA_U-20_World_Cup) || |- | 4 || 6 October 2009 || [Ismailia Stadium](/source/Ismailia_Stadium), [Ismailia](/source/Ismailia) || [Ghana U-20](/source/Ghana_national_under-20_football_team) || L 2–1 || [2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup](/source/2009_FIFA_U-20_World_Cup) || |} ===U-23=== Masango played for the U-23 team, scoring on his debut in the 2–1 win over [Zimbabwe](/source/Zimbabwe_national_football_team) to ensure South Africa's qualification for the [All Africa Games](/source/All_Africa_Games). The midfielder also scored against [Mauritius](/source/Mauritius_national_football_team) on 26 May 2011 in a 1–0 friendly win, {{cite web | url = http://www.safa.net/index.php?page=articles&id=391 | title = SA U-23 depart for Benin | work =South Africa Football Association | date = 31 May 2011 | accessdate = 10 September 2011}} and against [Botswana](/source/Botswana_national_football_team) in a 5–0 victory on 18 March 2011.{{cite web | url = http://m.kaizerchiefs.com/?name=kaizerchiefs&artId=410595&i=4690&showonly=1 | title = Masango on target for SA U23 | work = Kaizer Chiefs F.C. | date = 21 March 2011 | accessdate = 10 September 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120325163643/http://m.kaizerchiefs.com/?name=kaizerchiefs&artId=410595&i=4690&showonly=1 | archive-date = 2012-03-25 | url-status = dead }} He made his senior debut on 17 July 2013 on the eve of his birthday against [Lesotho](/source/Lesotho) and was unfortunate having not scored on debut like he did for the junior national teams.{{cite web |url=http://www.kickoffnigeria.com/mobile/players/557/mandla-masango |title=Mandla Masango - Player Profile - Kick off |accessdate=2014-08-03 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810205224/http://www.kickoffnigeria.com/mobile/players/557/mandla-masango |archivedate=2014-08-10 }} He scored in his second match in the [2013 COSAFA Cup](/source/2013_COSAFA_Cup) 3rd and 4th place playoff on 20 July 2013 against [Lesotho](/source/Lesotho). South Africa won 2-1 finishing third with a [bronze medal](/source/bronze_medal).{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/teams/south-africa/bafana-finish-third/135427|title=Bafana Finish Third|website=www.soccerladuma.co.za|date=20 July 2013|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango earned a call-up after his good form for [AFCON](/source/AFCON) qualifiers against [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria) and [Sudan](/source/Sudan). He claimed that his call up was "destiny" and that Sudan was his lucky charm. Masango's first call-up in international football came nine years ago against Sudan when he represented the South Africa Under-17 team in a 2005 Under-17 Youth Championship qualifier. The game was played at the same [Al-Merrikh Stadium](/source/Al-Merrikh_Stadium) where South Africa played their 2015 African Nations Cup Group A opener against the Sudan.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kickoff.com/mobile/news/48335/mandla-masango-says-his-bafana-call-up-is-destiny|title=Mandla Masango says his Bafana call-up is destiny|last=www.realnet.co.uk|website=Kick Off|language=en-gb|access-date=2018-06-02}} He played in the 3–0 win over [Sudan](/source/Sudan){{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/bafana-bafana/mashaba-s-first-starting-eleven/175938|title=Mashaba's First Starting Eleven|website=www.soccerladuma.co.za|date=5 September 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} and 0–0 draw over [Nigeria](/source/Nigeria).{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/teams/south-africa-522/shakes-mashaba-names-starting-xi-for-nigeria-match/176354|title=Shakes Mashaba Names Starting XI For Nigeria Match|website=www.soccerladuma.co.za|date=10 September 2014|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Masango scored a stunning goal referred to as a "stepback volley" against [Ghana](/source/Ghana) in the [2015 African Cup of Nations](/source/2015_African_Cup_of_Nations) Group C final clash and made rounds in [Spain](/source/Spain) and has been compared to [Colombia](/source/Colombia)'s [James Rodriguez](/source/James_Rodriguez) famous volley in the 2–0 victory over [Uruguay](/source/Uruguay) in last in the [2014 FIFA World Cup](/source/2014_FIFA_World_Cup) in [Brazil](/source/Brazil).{{Cite web|url=http://www.soccerladuma.co.za/news/articles/categories/afcon-news/mandla-masango-s-stunner-making-rounds-in-spain/199500|title=Mandla Masango's Stunner Making Rounds In Spain|website=www.soccerladuma.co.za|date=29 January 2015|language=en|access-date=2018-06-02}} Bleacher Report described the goal as "ridiculous, outrageous and impossibly perfect".{{Cite news|url=http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2344310-south-africas-mandla-masango-scores-ridiculous-step-back-volley-vs-ghana|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150201082046/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2344310-south-africas-mandla-masango-scores-ridiculous-step-back-volley-vs-ghana|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 February 2015|title=South Africa's Mandla Masango Scores Ridiculous Step-Back Volley vs. Ghana|last=Greely|first=John|work=Bleacher Report|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-US}} ==References== {{reflist}} {{South Africa squad 2015 Africa Cup of Nations}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Masango, Mandla}} Category:1989 births Category:Living people Category:People from Thembisile Hani Local Municipality Category:South African men's soccer players Category:South African expatriate men's soccer players Category:South Africa men's international soccer players Category:Kaizer Chiefs F.C. players Category:Randers FC players Category:South African Premier Division players Category:Danish Superliga players Category:Men's association football midfielders Category:2015 Africa Cup of Nations players Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Denmark Category:South African expatriate sportspeople in Denmark Category:21st-century South African sportsmen --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mandla Masango](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandla_Masango) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandla_Masango?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.