Mamelodi Sundowns FC have moved to end Thapelo Maseko’s time at Chloorkop by leaving the 22-year-old winger out of their pre-season tour to Austria. The club acted after Maseko’s loan spell at Cypriot side AEL Limassol, where he earned a place in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana World Cup squad and played a key role in South Africa’s historic run to the round of 16.
What happened to Thapelo Maseko?
Sundowns had made the call to omit Maseko from the Austria trip so he can pursue a permanent move elsewhere. The winger returned from his six-month loan in Cyprus on July 10 and has since been training separately from the first team. Sources close to the club say Sundowns are open to letting him leave on a free transfer if the right offer arrives.
Why the sudden exit?
Maseko’s stock rose sharply during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. His direct runs and crosses helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2002. That form caught the eye of European scouts, but Sundowns have yet to cash in on his new value. By leaving him behind in South Africa, the club signal they are ready to move on rather than risk another loan or a contract dispute.
Where could Maseko land next?
Multiple clubs in Belgium, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have scouted Maseko since his World Cup displays. A return to Cyprus or a move to Greece’s Super League are also on the table. Sundowns will only trigger a sell-on clause if a permanent deal is struck, so any club willing to pay upfront will take full control of his registration.
What’s next for Sundowns?
Sundowns kick off their Betway Premiership campaign on August 10 away to Chippa United. The club sit seventh in the table with zero points after two rounds of the new season. Their attack has yet to find the net, while their defence has shipped two goals already.
The Maseko saga now shifts to the transfer market, where Sundowns will weigh domestic bids against the higher fees on offer in Europe.
