Thapelo Maseko: Cardoso opens up on wantaway winger’s future

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has commented on the ongoing speculation surrounding winger Thapelo Maseko, clarifying his position on the player’s desire for a move away from the club.

Maseko, who enjoyed a standout FIFA World Cup campaign with Bafana Bafana, was notably absent from the Sundowns squad that travelled to Austria for pre-season. Recent reports indicate that the Tshwane giants have turned down offers from European clubs for the talented player.

The winger revitalised his career during a loan spell at AEL Limassol in Cyprus in the latter half of last season. This came after a challenging period at Sundowns where he struggled for first-team opportunities, even featuring in the DStv Diski Challenge. His successful stint in Cyprus earned him a spot in Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad, reigniting his career.

Despite his resurgence, Maseko’s future appears uncertain once again. While he is reportedly keen on a move, his fate rests with Sundowns, as he is still under contract for another two years. The club’s decision on any incoming offers will be final.

Cardoso addresses Maseko’s future

Speaking after Sundowns’ MTN8 quarterfinal win against Polokwane City, Cardoso emphasised that there is no personal conflict with the former SuperSport United player, stating that any decision regarding a transfer is up to the club.

“First of all, between coach Miguel and Thapelo Maseko, there are no issues. I had a beautiful talk with Maseko yesterday,” Cardoso told the media as per Soccer Laduma.

Miguel Cardoso says there are no issues between him and Thapelo Maseko.

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“When I was asked about Maseko’s situation, we had to understand if he wanted to stay with us or not because I don’t want to work with players who don’t want to be part of our group.”

“My question to Thapelo was, ‘My heart is open for you, the team is open for you, if you want to join us and stay with an open heart’. Obviously, when Thapelo says, ‘I want to go to another place,’ then it becomes a club’s question and not the coach’s question,” he explained.

Door open for Sundowns winger

Cardoso added that he is not involved in the transfer negotiations but holds the player in high regard.

“I am not deeply inside the conversations that happen, so I cannot give more explanations other than to say Thapelo is a wonderful boy and we like him very much,” the coach continued.

“He had that spell in Cyprus and did very well. He got to a very good place emotionally, then he went to the World Cup, got a chance to play, and even scored. We exchanged messages throughout the competition… now it’s up to the club to see what is best.”

With most European transfer windows closing at the end of August or early September, time is running out for Maseko to secure a potential move abroad.