"When you press random buttons on FIFA" was just one of the phrases used to describe Thabo Qalinge's stepover skills that had most South African football fans talking, and publications in Europe have since latched on to the discussions on social media. Have you seen it?
Pirates faced Polokwane City on the final day of the 2018/19 Absa Premiership season, and ran out as 3-0 winners in what was a spirited performance from the Soweto giants.
With Bucs effectively losing the league title on the last day, Qalinge took it upon himself to entertain fans with a few stepovers, and he certainly got the crowd buzzing.
Check it out:
Ay Qalinge#AbsaPrem#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/AAPZOKSpWh
— Bandile Khumalo (@_BandileKhumalo) May 11, 2019
While videos of his skilful play made the rounds on South African social media, it didn't take long before European publications reported about it.
Mail Online Sport, which has, in fact, reported on previous "showboating' moves from the man known as "Section 10", was one of the first to do so, while other media houses such as AS English and Sport Bible also weighed in on the matter.
Have a look!
'When you press random buttons on FIFA'
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) May 15, 2019
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabo Qalinge has fans in stitches after unnecessary showboating without any other player near himhttps://t.co/gG2THp3NT8
It seems the line between entertainment and mockery grows ever thinner in football... which side of it was Orlando Pirates midfielder Thabo Qalinge on when he pulled this stunt at 3-0 up? https://t.co/cynX75WkWd pic.twitter.com/MJIbRmOCo8
— AS USA (@English_AS) May 15, 2019
'When you come on in the 89th minute and a scout’s watching.' ??
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 15, 2019
Thabo Qalinge had fans in stitches with his unnecessary showboating. ????https://t.co/bewlNbDZEk
Even a media outlet in Asia had its say:
What are your thoughts on Qalinge's stepover skill in the match?
