Thapelo Maseko move imminent following Club World Cup omission

The Brazilians will on Sunday jet off to the USA, where they will face Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense in the new quadrennial 32-team tournament.

Sundowns will officially confirm the 26 names next week, when the special registration window provided by FIFA for the competition closes, ahead of the opening game on 14 July in Miami. 

But Maseko will not be part of what is arguably the biggest stage for the 15-time PSL champions, and it is understood the club is mulling over an offer on the table. 

The public broadcaster reported early last month that an enquiry had landed on the club’s desk from Cyprus for the 21-year-old's services. 

No movements had been confirmed internally at Sundowns or by the players’ camp, but the latest developments suggest there could well be a breakthrough, considering his sudden snub from the Club World Cup travelling party. 

Maseko's last 18-or-so months have been somewhat strange – from being named the inaugural African Football League Player of the Tournament and featuring for Bafana Bafana at last year's Africa Cup of Nations to becoming a bit-part player this past season.

The player did suffer an injury at the AFCON in Côte d'Ivory, but since making a full recovery, he only managed 14 games in coach Miguel Cardoso's championship-winning side.  

It now remains to be seen whether The Brazilians will indeed be releasing Maseko to a new club before the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

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