Thapelo Maseko’s career at Mamelodi Sundowns appears to be in a state of
limbo, with the promising winger struggling for game time despite the club
opting to keep him during the recent transfer window.
The 21-year-old was the subject of loan interest before the window closed, a
move his representatives confirmed was explored. While head coach Miguel
Cardoso publicly stated that Maseko would remain with the Tshwane giants,
that assurance has not translated into minutes on the pitch.
Sources suggest that Sundowns’ initial decision to retain Maseko was
influenced by the uncertain contractual situation of key attacker Lucas
Ribeiro Costa at the time. The club was seemingly hedging its bets to ensure
sufficient squad depth.
However, the subsequent signings of attacking midfielders Katlego ‘Tsiki’
Ntsabeleng, Miguel Reisinho, and Nuno Santos have pushed Maseko even further
down the pecking order. His limited involvement has been stark; he has
managed only five appearances across all competitions this season, including
a brief cameo against Orlando Pirates.
In a clear sign of his peripheral status, Maseko has recently been turning
out for the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) reserve side. With his
prospects for first-team football looking increasingly slim, PSLSA
understands that another attempt to secure a move for the winger is planned
when the January transfer window opens.
