Thapelo Maseko bids farewell to Mamelodi Sundowns after FC Copenhagen move

Thapelo Maseko has said goodbye to Mamelodi Sundowns after completing a permanent transfer to Danish club FC Copenhagen.

The Bafana Bafana winger was officially unveiled by the 16-time Danish Superliga champions on Monday, bringing an end to his spell with Sundowns and opening the next stage of his career in Europe.

Maseko, 22, used Instagram to thank Sundowns’ management, supporters and everyone who helped him during his time at the club. The attacker described his departure as an emotional moment after building memorable experiences with the South African champions.

“A chapter of my life I’ll never forget,” Maseko wrote.

“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

The move to FC Copenhagen represents the opportunity Maseko had been seeking after he made it clear to the management at Chloorkop that he wanted to test himself outside South Africa.

He joined Mamelodi Sundowns from rivals SuperSport United in July 2023 and leaves after a successful period with the Brazilians. During his time in the club’s yellow colours, Maseko made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

His performances also helped establish him in the South Africa national-team set-up. The winger’s pace and direct style attracted attention from overseas scouts, with his form increasing interest in a move to Europe.

That interest intensified after his impressive involvement with South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Maseko made a significant impact on the international stage by scoring the winning goal against South Korea, a result which sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds.

The goal proved a defining moment in the tournament for the attacker and further raised his profile in the eyes of clubs outside South Africa.

Maseko now joins a Danish club with a long-standing record of success and becomes the latest South African player to represent FC Copenhagen. He follows in the footsteps of Sibusiso Zuma, the former Bafana Bafana international and a celebrated South African figure who previously played for the club.

His departure brings an end to a spell in which he developed from a promising signing into an established attacking option for both Sundowns and the national team. He will now look to continue that progress in the Danish Superliga after securing the European move he had wanted.