Thapelo Maseko set to join FC Copenhagen after Mamelodi Sundowns transfer saga

Thapelo Maseko is expected to complete his move from Mamelodi Sundowns to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday after the South African club agreed to sell the winger following a difficult and prolonged transfer dispute.

The 22-year-old is set to sign a three-year contract with the Danish club, bringing an end to a period of uncertainty that his father, Motsamai Maseko, said had caused the player considerable stress.

Motsamai Maseko told Sowetan that his son was relieved after the situation was resolved. He also said he had spoken to Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, who supported the move and accepted that the player wanted to continue his career in Europe.

“Everything is fine; he is relieved now. I spoke to the chairman [Tlhopie Motsepe], and he was happy, and he said, ‘Let the boy go and explore his talent because it was his wish before coming to Sundowns to play in Europe.’

“We are all happy; he is very happy. I was with him, and he is satisfied.”

Maseko’s father thanked Sundowns for eventually allowing the transfer to go ahead and expressed confidence that the move could help his son rebuild his career in Europe.

The winger made an impact for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring the winning goal against South Korea as South Africa secured progress to the last 32.

However, after returning to Sundowns from the tournament, Maseko was omitted from the pre-season squad that travelled to Austria. He was also allegedly made to train alone during the period of tension with the club.

Maseko joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in July 2023 but found it difficult to establish himself as a regular for the two-time CAF Champions League winners.

His lack of consistent first-team opportunities led to a loan move to Cypriot side AEL Limassol for the final six months of last season. That spell helped revive his form and contributed to his return to the Bafana Bafana squad for the World Cup.

The transfer to FC Copenhagen now gives Maseko the chance to concentrate on the next stage of his career after a challenging spell at Sundowns.

His move follows weeks of uncertainty over his future, with the player’s wish to test himself in Europe eventually accepted by the club. Maseko will now look to build on the progress he made with AEL Limassol and during South Africa’s World Cup campaign as he begins life in Denmark.

Sowetan