Thapelo Maseko’s Sundowns future in doubt after World Cup as winger left out of pre-season tour

Thapelo Maseko’s position at Mamelodi Sundowns has been thrown into doubt after the World Cup breakout star was omitted from the club’s pre-season tour to Austria, despite still having two years left on his contract.

The 21-year-old winger, who impressed at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, did not travel with the Betway Premiership champions as they began their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign in Europe.

Maseko spent the second half of last season on loan at Cypriot side AEL Limassol and had been expected to report back to Sundowns’ Chloorkop base ahead of the new season. However, indications from within the club suggest he is not part of new head coach Miguel Cardoso’s immediate plans.

A source close to the situation told Soccer Laduma that Sundowns are prepared to sanction either another loan move or a permanent transfer for the player, should the right proposal emerge.

“It doesn’t look like Maseko is in the coach’s plans. I was speaking to someone who told me that Maseko is not in the coach’s plans,” the source said.

“It looks like Sundowns won’t stand in his way if there is a team that wants to sign him permanently or take him on loan, provided all the parties involved reach an agreement. That’s why he didn’t travel with the team.”

Sundowns open to offers

Maseko remains under contract with Sundowns, but his omission from the Austrian training camp is being interpreted as a sign that the club are ready to listen to offers.

The winger joined AEL Limassol on loan for the latter part of last season in search of regular game time and international exposure. His performances there, followed by a strong World Cup showing, have raised his profile and could attract interest from clubs abroad as well as within South Africa.

While Sundowns have not issued an official statement on his status, the guidance provided to Soccer Laduma points to a willingness to negotiate his departure if a deal can be agreed between all parties.

Player pushing for move abroad

Maseko’s agent, Glyn Binkin, confirmed that the player’s priority is to continue his career outside South Africa, underlining his desire to build on his recent international breakthrough.

“The player is very clear that he would like to play abroad and that’s what we are focused on,” Binkin said.

“He has two years remaining on his contract with Sundowns and if any club is interested, they will obviously have to contact Sundowns in that regard.”

Binkin’s comments suggest that any potential suitors will need to move through formal channels, but they also reinforce the impression that a long-term future in Chloorkop is increasingly unlikely for the attacker.

Transfer window speculation set to intensify

With the transfer window still open, Maseko’s absence from Sundowns’ tour is expected to deepen speculation over his next destination.

The youngster will be weighing his options as he looks for a club that can offer consistent first-team football and the chance to continue his development on the European stage. His World Cup performances have given him momentum, and there is likely to be interest from teams seeking a dynamic wide player with international experience.

For Sundowns, the situation presents a decision over whether to cash in on a valuable asset now, send him on another loan to aid his development, or attempt to reintegrate him later if moves fail to materialise.

Until a concrete offer is tabled and agreed, Maseko remains a Sundowns player in contract, but his omission from their pre-season plans underscores a growing sense that his future may lie away from the South African champions.