Thapelo Maseko says farewell to Mamelodi Sundowns after FC Copenhagen move

Thapelo Maseko has thanked Mamelodi Sundowns and the club’s supporters after completing a €1.5m transfer to Danish club FC Copenhagen.

The 22-year-old forward has signed a four-year contract with Copenhagen, the former club of South African international Sibusiso Zuma, after Sundowns opted not to include him in their plans for the 2026/27 season.

Maseko’s departure brings an end to his time with Sundowns after a period in which he revived his career on loan at AEL Limassol. That spell helped him return to prominence and earn a place in Hugo Broos’ squad for the 2027 FIFA World Cup.

He made three appearances at the tournament and scored the only goal in South Africa’s 1-0 victory over South Korea. The result sent Bafana into the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history.

His performances attracted interest from abroad, with Copenhagen eventually winning the race to sign him. Maseko’s move to Denmark has now been completed, and he used social media to formally bid farewell to Sundowns and the club’s supporters.

“Thank you, Masandawana,” he wrote on social media.

“A chapter of my life I’ll never forget.

“Thank you Mamelodi Sundowns for the memories..the lessons..the opportunities and for giving me a place I could call home.

“To everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey… I’ll forever be grateful.

“It’s time for a new chapter but the memories will stay with me forever.

“Thank you Masandawana.

“Phakamis’u 7”

Maseko’s message marked the conclusion of a journey that included time away from Sundowns before his return to the international stage. His loan spell at AEL Limassol provided an opportunity to rebuild his form, while his displays for South Africa at the 2027 FIFA World Cup placed him in the spotlight.

The forward’s goal against South Korea proved particularly significant, securing a historic result for Bafana and helping them reach the knockout rounds for the first time. That contribution also strengthened his appeal to European clubs.

Copenhagen’s €1.5m agreement with Sundowns means Maseko will now continue his career in Denmark. The four-year deal gives him a new club after Sundowns’ decision not to make him part of their plans for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

His departure also closes his association with the South African champions on a personal note, with Maseko highlighting the memories, lessons, opportunities and support he received during his time at the club. His farewell message ended with “Phakamis’u 7”, a final salute to the supporters he called Masandawana.