Mamelodi Sundowns legend backs Thapelo Maseko exit as World Cup hero weighs up next move

Former Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana says Thapelo Maseko is right to consider leaving Chloorkop if he feels unable to perform at his best, as the Bafana Bafana winger edges towards the exit door following his 2026 FIFA World Cup exploits.

Maseko was left out of Sundowns’ pre-season tour to Austria and, according to this publication’s information, has been granted permission to secure either a loan move or a permanent transfer away from the Brazilians in the coming weeks.

The 21-year-old, who joined Sundowns from crosstown rivals SuperSport United in July 2023 for a fee of R20 million, has endured a turbulent spell with the DStv Premiership champions despite his status as one of the country’s most highly rated prospects.

Fall from favour under Cardoso

Maseko’s standing at Sundowns declined sharply following the arrival of Portuguese head coach Miguel Cardoso in December 2024. The winger struggled for game time and, frustrated by his limited opportunities, took to Instagram to voice his unhappiness, revealing he was “losing his love for football”.

Under Cardoso, he featured only seven times in all competitions before making it clear he wanted to leave the club immediately in search of regular minutes and a more suitable environment.

To revive his career, Maseko completed a six-month loan move to Cypriot top-flight side AEL Limassol in January. During his stint in Cyprus, he made 15 appearances, scored two goals and provided one assist, rebuilding both confidence and form.

World Cup platform transforms fortunes

His performances at AEL Limassol proved timely. The upswing in form earned Maseko a recall to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he went on to become one of South Africa’s standout figures on the global stage.

Maseko made three important appearances at the tournament and scored a historic winning goal against South Korea, a strike that sealed South Africa’s progression into the knockout rounds. Despite his difficulties at club level, he has now made 45 appearances for Sundowns in total, scoring three goals.

It is widely believed that his World Cup heroics have strengthened his hand and will ultimately help secure the exit he has been seeking from what has become a largely forgettable chapter of his club career.

Kekana: ‘Football belongs to players’

Reflecting on Maseko’s situation, former Sundowns skipper Kekana told SoccerZone that he supports players moving on when the circumstances at a club no longer suit them.

“Football belongs to players, and if as a player, you feel the environment does not suit you to perform at your best ability, I always believe players should move,” Kekana said.

“But they have to come to an agreement between the club and the player.

“What I do know is that football is exciting when footballers want to move for better or greener pastures.”

Interest grows as decision looms

Despite his challenges at Sundowns, Maseko is not expected to be short of options. As far as this publication understands, several clubs are monitoring his situation, with the pacey winger still regarded as one of South African football’s brightest young talents.

The key issue now is the nature of his departure from Chloorkop. Sundowns and the player must decide whether another loan spell is the best solution or whether a clean, permanent break from the Brazilians will be agreed to allow Maseko to rebuild his career elsewhere.