Sundowns Coach Cardoso Gives Update on Maseko’s Future Amid Transfer Speculation

The future of Mamelodi Sundowns' young star Thapelo Maseko appears settled, at least according to head coach Miguel Cardoso. 

Cardoso insisted Maseko will remain with the team, despite the 21-year-old's recent heartfelt confession on Instagram. Maseko wrote that he “felt unseen” and that his love for the game was “chipping away,” sparking speculation about his future. 

His emotional post came after two substitute appearances, including a quiet outing in the MTN8 semi-final where Sundowns were knocked out for the second year in a row. 

Cardoso's definitive statement puts a lid on the transfer rumors, but the underlying questions about Maseko's well-being and role at the club remain.

‘NO INTENTION TO LET HIM GO’

“Of course, he will be here after the window closes. Why should he not be here,” Cardoso said after the match when asked about Maseko.

“He’s a Mamelodi Sundowns player, he’s part of the squad. And as I see in the club, I don’t see any intention from no one to let him go.

“He’s working good, of course, when you don’t have a Lucas Ribeiro playing on the right where he can play, it gives more chances to the players that can play in those positions, and it’s obvious he’s trying to fight for a space.

“Obviously, I want my players motivated, and if I give them chances, is also to keep them motivated and to understand they are part of the core of the team. 

“There’s no one on the group that we don’t count, and everything that happens inside the club will always have to deal with interests of the player, and interests of the club. 

“I think it’s clear on the statement from the club is regarding players going out or coming in. It’s a moment for stability and not for instability, because we are building, building from the past. We lost important players, not many, but very important, because the consequences that they have, the impact that they have on the game was enormous, tremendous. 

“And we are trying to rebuild out of there, find the connections between the players that we have to reorganize regarding what the absence of them. I think you saw Zuko quite comfortable again making a good game.

“Morena is coming, and in the front we are trying to give opportunities to player. And on Wednesday, played Kutluano [Lethlaku], now entered Maseko, because we need also to manage the fatigue and the moment of the case, so that everyone is motivated but part of the group.”