Thapelo Maseko’s prospects at Mamelodi Sundowns have hit another
difficult patch, despite a recent standout performance for the reserve team.
The 21-year-old winger, who joined from SuperSport United, featured for
Sundowns’ DStv Diski Challenge side over the weekend, scoring in a 3-2
victory over Golden Arrows. This appearance came while the senior squad was
away on CAF Champions League duty in Nigeria.
Maseko’s camp had actively sought a loan move for the player during the
recent transfer window. However, those efforts were blocked by Sundowns.
Head coach Miguel Cardoso explicitly stated early in the season that Maseko
would not be leaving, a decision made when the team was dealing with the
absence of key attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
While this initially suggested Maseko might earn more minutes off the
bench—and he has made four substitute appearances this season—his path to
the matchday squad is now more congested than ever. The club has since
bolstered its attacking options with the signings of Katlego Ntsabeleng and
Miguel Reisinho. Furthermore, the return of Kutlwano Letlhaku and Siyabonga
Mabena from the under-20 FIFA World Cup adds more competition for places.
This leaves Maseko in a familiar and frustrating position, risking a repeat
of last season where he was frequently left out of the squad entirely.
With the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco approaching in December, a lack of
first-team football before the tournament could force a decision. It is
understood that a January move will be seriously considered if his playing
time does not improve in the coming months.
