Cardoso keeps door open for Maseko despite Sundowns exit request

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso says Thapelo Maseko remains welcome at the club, but the forward’s wish to leave has made a return to the squad increasingly unlikely.

Cardoso said he had spoken to Maseko about his future and made clear that the team would accept him back if he was genuinely committed to remaining at Chloorkop. However, the coach added that the decision had moved beyond his control after the player indicated that he wanted to find opportunities elsewhere.

The 22-year-old impressed during Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the knockout stage of the World Cup, leading to expectations that he could either re-establish himself in the Sundowns team or earn a prominent move abroad.

Neither outcome has materialised so far. Maseko was absent from Sundowns’ pre-season preparations, including the club’s tour of Austria, and he did not return to AEL Limassol after spending the second half of last season on loan with the Cypriot side.

Recent reports have indicated that Maseko remains at home. His situation is understood to reflect frustrations he previously expressed on social media, where he suggested that his enthusiasm for football had diminished after he slipped down the pecking order at Sundowns.

Cardoso addressed the issue after Sundowns defeated Polokwane City 3-2 in the MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night. The Portuguese coach said there was no personal dispute between himself and Maseko and described the attacker positively.

“Between coach Miguel Cardoso and Thapelo Maseko, there are no issues. Yesterday, I had a beautiful talk with Maseko,” Cardoso explained. “I was asked inside the club when we discussed his situation; we obviously had to understand if he wanted to stay with us or not.

“I don’t want to work with players who don’t want to be part of our group. I asked him, and I said: ‘Look, my heart is open for you to be here; the team is open for you if you want to join us and stay open-hearted with us.’”

Cardoso said the club’s position would depend on Maseko’s own intentions. While he remains prepared to reintegrate the player, he does not want to include someone who is unwilling to contribute to the group.

“Obviously, when the player says, ‘I want to go to other places,’ then it becomes a club issue, not a coach’s question,” Cardoso added, praising the player’s character. “Thapelo is a wonderful boy. We like him very much.”

Maseko’s absence comes as Sundowns continue their preparations for the season after progressing in the MTN8. His performances for Bafana Bafana had raised hopes that he would return to a significant role at the club, but Cardoso’s comments suggest that any reunion will depend on whether the player changes his position on leaving.

Mothobi Mvala, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Thato Sibiya have also led their Mamelodi Sundowns team-mates in commemorating late superstar Jayden Adams.