Tsepo Masilela

Peter Tsepo Masilela (born 5 May 1985) is a South African former professional soccer player who played as a left back.

Early career

Masilela first played amateur soccer for local team, Manchester and later the Disco Makua Academy which was run by former Witbank Aces player Steve Makua who is the father of Frank Makua who played for Kaizer Chiefs. He then moved to Vodacom League club, Sonas Mpumalanga.

Club career

Such was his meteoric rise Masilela made his full international debut before making his Premier Soccer League debut. In the same vein, after only one season in top-flight football in his home country, he made the move to Israeli club Maccabi Haifa.

Maccabi Haifa

Masilela signed a four-year contract with Maccabi Haifa on 31 August 2007. He was a crucial part of Maccabi Haifa winning the Israeli Championship, and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Masilela made 13 assists and one goal in the 2009–10 season. In June 2011, he extended his contract with a two-year deal.

Getafe

On 20 August 2011, Masilela joined the Spanish La Liga club Getafe on a season-long loan deal from Maccabi Haifa. He returned to Maccabi Haifa after the expiry of his loan deal with Getafe.

Kaizer Chiefs

Masilela returned to South Africa after five years overseas to sign for Kaizer Chiefs in mid-2012. He made his debut in November 2012 in a 3–2 win over Moroka Swallows.

International career

Masilela was the first player to be called up while campaigning in the National First Division. Since 2006 he has played for South Africa, participating in the 2006 African Nations Cup, 2008 African Nations Cup, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2013 African Nations Cup.

Personal life

His father, Eric Masilela is a Witbank Aces legend having played with the likes of Lawrence Siyangaphi, Harris Chueu, Steve Makua and Thomas Ngobe, father of Dumisa Ngobe. He is paternal half-brother of Innocent Maela.