Thapelo Maseko set for Copenhagen move after Downs agreement

Sundowns reached an agreement with the Danish club over a transfer fee earlier this week, paving the way for Maseko to make the transfer. 

The 22-year-old is expected to fly out for his medical by the weekend, after which the transfer can be formally completed.

The move brings an end to a difficult period for Maseko at Chloorkop. 

Despite playing a starring role for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including scoring the winning goal against South Korea as South Africa reached the knockout phase for the first time – Maseko was surprisingly omitted from Sundowns’ pre-season tour of Austria last month. 

The attacker had already made it clear that he wanted a fresh start, with coach Miguel Cardoso recently confirming that the player had expressed his desire to leave.

He joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in July 2023 after a breakthrough campaign with Matsatsantsa. 

However, his opportunities became increasingly limited and, after falling out of favour, he spent the final six months of last season on loan at Cypriot club AEL Limassol, where he revived his form and forced his way back into the Bafana setup.

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The public broadcaster recently reported that Maseko was not keen on a return to Cyprus after payment issues plagued the final months of his spell there. 

Copenhagen’s decision to buy Maseko outright now gives him the opportunity to continue his career in Europe and compete at a club with ambitions on the continental stage, and this means he will also follow in the footsteps of South African football legend Sibusiso Zuma, who made 188 appearances and scored 53 goals for Copenhagen after joining the club in 2000.

For Maseko, the Copenhagen move represents a significant new chapter after a turbulent spell at Sundowns.