Thapelo Maseko faces race to secure European move before transfer windows close

Thapelo Maseko is running out of time to find a new club in Europe, with most transfer windows on the continent expected to close in about a month.

Mamelodi Sundowns are willing to consider offers for the Bafana Bafana winger, but only if a suitable proposal arrives from outside South Africa. The club is not expected to entertain domestic options, including a possible loan move.

Most European leagues will shut their transfer windows at the end of August or in the early days of September, leaving Maseko with a limited period in which to secure a move for the coming season.

The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Cypriot club AEL Limassol, where his performances helped revive his career. Maseko impressed sufficiently to earn a place in Bafana Bafana’s final squad for the FIFA World Cup.

His spell in Cyprus was a significant step forward after he had struggled to establish himself in the Mamelodi Sundowns first team. The regular football he received at AEL Limassol provided him with the opportunity to regain momentum and put himself back into international contention.

Maseko now wants another chance to play in Europe during the coming campaign. Work is understood to be taking place behind the scenes to find him a club, although the final decision rests largely with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The winger still has two years remaining on his contract with the South African champions, meaning the club hold the key to determining his next move. While Sundowns are prepared to listen to offers, their position is that any transfer must take Maseko abroad.

A move to another South African club is therefore unlikely to be considered, even if the proposal were to involve a temporary switch. Sundowns’ preference is for a solution outside the country.

Maseko’s immediate situation was underlined when he was omitted from Sundowns’ pre-season tour of Austria. He is believed not to feature in head coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans, increasing the urgency to find him a new club before the European transfer deadline passes.

The challenge for Maseko and those working on his behalf is now to secure an agreement within the next few weeks. His form at AEL Limassol and his return to the Bafana Bafana set-up have strengthened his case for another European opportunity, but Sundowns’ contract position and the shrinking transfer window remain decisive factors.