Mamelodi Sundowns seeking overseas bids for Thapelo Maseko

The winger has been sidelined from first-team training under Miguel Cardoso after being left out of Sundowns' pre-season tour of Austria. 

Downs have since given the green light for Maseko to explore opportunities elsewhere, either on loan or in a permanent transfer.

Maseko returned to Chloorkop after spending the second half of last season on loan at AEL Limassol in Cyprus. Although the Cypriot club showed interest in keeping him, a return was ruled out because of payment issues during his spell there, a dispute that had to be referred to FIFA. 

Maseko and his representatives are understood to have no desire to revisit that situation. Instead, Sundowns are open to offers from overseas, with the club keen to avoid strengthening domestic competition. 

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The winger’s stock rose significantly after an impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, where he scored Bafana Bafana's only goal in the decisive group-stage victory over South Korea that secured a historic place in the round of 32.

The player is believed to favour a permanent exit, although that will depend on whether interested clubs are willing to meet Sundowns' valuation or pursue another loan deal with an obligation to buy.

Maseko joined Sundowns in 2023 and quickly established himself, winning the inaugural African Football League Player of the Tournament award before earning a place in South Africa's bronze medal-winning AFCON 2024 squad. 

A serious injury in Ivory Coast stalled his progress and contributed to a difficult period, which he publicly acknowledged before reviving his career in Cyprus. 

His resurgence earned him a return to the national team ahead of the World Cup, and with a move within South Africa now highly unlikely, his next destination is expected to be overseas.