Latest: Thapelo Maseko set for Mamelodi Sundowns exit

The move has been in the works for several months, with the 22-year-old struggling for regular minutes under head coach Miguel Cardoso. 

Maseko’s frustration deepened when he was unexpectedly left out of Sundowns’ squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, despite having been led to believe he was back in contention.

Maseko joined Sundowns from Tshwane rivals SuperSport United in a deal believed to be worth around R20-million and made an immediate impact – he was named Player of the Tournament at the inaugural Africa Football League while Rulani Mokwena was still at the helm, underlining his reputation as one of the country’s most exciting young attackers.

He was also part of the Bafana Bafana side that claimed a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast two years ago. 

However, a lack of game time since then has stalled his progress, with the winger even being demoted to feature in the DStv Diski Challenge.

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Maseko’s representatives have been pushing for a permanent move since the start of the current campaign. 

Sundowns previously turned down a concrete offer from Aris Limassol, but the club has now granted AEL Limassol – a rival club in the same league – permission to conclude a six-month loan agreement.

The deal is understood to have been agreed in principle, with only minor details outstanding before both clubs make an official announcement.