Mamelodi Sundowns confirm Thapelo Maseko’s permanent move to FC Copenhagen

Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the departure of 22-year-old Bafana Bafana forward Thapelo Maseko, who has joined Danish Superliga side FC Copenhagen on a permanent transfer.

The move takes Maseko to Denmark after he agreed a three-year contract with the club, keeping him in the Danish capital until 2029. The transfer is reported to be worth about R28 million (€1.5 million).

Maseko’s exit from Sundowns follows a period in which the forward found it difficult to establish himself as a regular under head coach Miguel Cardoso. He made 45 appearances for the South African champions and scored three goals after joining the club in July 2023.

The winger arrived at Chloorkop from cross-town rivals SuperSport United, but consistent first-team opportunities proved difficult to secure. He subsequently spent time on loan at Cypriot club AEL Limassol before completing his move to FC Copenhagen.

His departure comes shortly after an important moment in his international career with Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Maseko scored the only goal in South Africa’s historic 1-0 victory over South Korea during the tournament. That result helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time.

The performance placed Maseko in the spotlight on the international stage and preceded his high-profile switch to the Danish Superliga. FC Copenhagen have since announced the forward, while Sundowns have now formally confirmed that the transfer has been completed.

For Sundowns, the deal brings an end to Maseko’s two-year spell with the club. For the player, it represents a move to European football after his spell in South Africa and loan period in Cyprus.

Maseko will now continue his career in Copenhagen under a contract running through 2029. His move also marks the latest step in the progression of a player whose World Cup contribution made him part of South African football history.

The forward’s decisive strike against South Korea remains the defining moment of his international career so far, while his transfer fee and long-term agreement underline the significance of his move from Mamelodi Sundowns to FC Copenhagen.