Maseko set to join FC Copenhagen after Sundowns transfer dispute

Thapelo Maseko is expected to complete his move from Mamelodi Sundowns to FC Copenhagen tomorrow after the South African club agreed to sell the winger following a prolonged transfer dispute.

The 22-year-old is set to sign a three-year contract with the Danish club, bringing an end to a difficult period at Sundowns during which he was allegedly isolated from the first-team group.

Maseko’s father, Motsamai Maseko, told Sowetan that his son was relieved after weeks of uncertainty and stress. He said he had spoken to Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe, who supported the player’s wish to continue his career in Europe.

“Everything is fine; he is relieved now. I spoke to the chairman [Tlhopie Motsepe], and he was happy, and he said, ‘Let the boy go and explore his talent because it was his wish before coming to Sundowns to play in Europe.’

“We are all happy; he is very happy. I was with him, and he is satisfied.”

Motsamai Maseko also thanked Sundowns for allowing his son to leave and said he believed the move could help the winger rebuild his career in Europe.

Maseko made an impact for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring the winning goal against South Korea as the national team advanced to the last 32.

However, after returning to Sundowns from the tournament, he was not included in the club’s pre-season squad for a training camp in Austria. He was subsequently alleged to have been training on his own.

The winger joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in July 2023 but found regular first-team opportunities difficult to secure at the two-time CAF Champions League winners.

His lack of playing time led to a loan move to Cypriot club AEL Limassol for the final six months of last season. That spell helped revive his form and contributed to his return to the Bafana Bafana squad for the World Cup.

Maseko will now look to establish himself in Denmark and continue developing his career after a challenging spell with Sundowns.

The transfer follows weeks of uncertainty over his future, but the agreement with FC Copenhagen gives the player an opportunity to start again in Europe. His family have expressed confidence that the move will provide the platform he needs to regain momentum after struggling for consistency in South Africa.

Sowetan reported that the deal is expected to be completed tomorrow, with Maseko then set to begin the next stage of his career in Denmark.