South Africa winger Thapelo Maseko left out of Mamelodi Sundowns pre-season tour amid transfer speculation

South Africa international Thapelo Maseko has been omitted from Mamelodi Sundowns’ pre-season squad currently training in Austria amid transfer speculations.

Maseko was one of South Africa’s standout performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, producing a series of eye-catching displays that significantly boosted his reputation on the international stage.

His impressive performances attracted interest from clubs across Europe and sparked widespread belief that Sundowns could capitalise on his increased market value during the current transfer window.

Despite those expectations, the talented winger has not been included in head coach Miguel Cardoso’s travelling squad for the European training camp, suggesting that his future lies away from Chloorkop.

Following his outstanding World Cup campaign, there had been two contrasting schools of thought regarding Maseko’s future.

One view suggested Sundowns would look to cash in on the winger while his stock was at an all-time high after impressing on football’s biggest stage. Another believed the club would reintegrate him into the first team and give him an opportunity to establish himself after his successful spell away from Pretoria.

However, his absence from the pre-season tour appears to point towards a different outcome.

With preparations for the 2026/27 season already underway, players left behind are often those whose futures remain unresolved or who are expected to move before the transfer window closes.

The former SuperSport United attacker spent last season on loan with AEL Limassol in Cyprus, where he enjoyed a productive campaign.

His performances in the Cypriot top flight helped him regain momentum after struggling for regular opportunities at Sundowns, while also providing him with valuable European experience.

The loan spell has convinced AEL Limassol that Maseko is worth keeping, with the club reportedly keen to negotiate a permanent transfer.

In addition to interest from Cyprus, several clubs across Europe are understood to have made enquiries about the South African international following his impressive displays at both club and international level.

Maseko’s performances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup elevated his profile considerably.

The winger’s pace, direct attacking play and creativity made him one of Bafana Bafana’s brightest performers during the tournament, attracting attention from scouts and clubs seeking young attacking talent with international pedigree.

His displays have strengthened the belief that he is ready to continue his development in Europe, where regular playing time could further accelerate his progress.

While Mamelodi Sundowns have yet to make an official announcement regarding the player’s future, indications are that Maseko is not expected to feature in Miguel Cardoso’s plans for the upcoming season.

His omission from the Austrian training camp strongly suggests that discussions over a permanent transfer are progressing behind the scenes, with all parties seemingly working towards finding a suitable destination.

Whether AEL Limassol succeed in turning his loan move into a permanent deal or another European club wins the race for his signature remains to be seen.

What appears increasingly certain, however, is that Thapelo Maseko’s time at Mamelodi Sundowns is drawing to a close, with the World Cup star now edging closer to a permanent move abroad as he looks to build on the momentum generated by the best season of his professional career.