24 October 2017 – After making the final cut of the 2017 FIFA Puskas awards, Baroka FC goalkeeper, Oscarine Masuluke was narrowly pipped by Arsenal and French forward Olivier Giroud at the awards ceremony held on Tuesday evening in London.

Masuluke’s breath-taking overhead kick against Orlando Pirates which even got a vote from athletics superstar Usain Bolt, earned him a place at the glittering awards ceremony where he rubbed shoulders with world superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Gianluigi Buffon amongst others.

After months of voting from football fans across the world, Masuluke’s strike came second to Giroud by a narrow margin which is something the 24-year-old from Limpopo can take pride in.

Tottenham Hostpurs in-form striker Harry Kane and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo both said Masuluke’s goal should have won the Puskas Award. Kane described the Baroka FC’s goal as brilliant. Ronaldo was voted the best player for 2017, the fifth time he has won the same award.

Giroud scooped the Puskas award with 36.17% of the votes followed by Masuluke on 27.48% while Deyna Castellanos from Venezuela got 20.47%.

“Well done to Oscarine for flying the South African and Africa’s flag high. In spite of the outcome, you have done the continent proud by making it into the top three of such a top award. We are really proud of you,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.