Exclusive: SuperSport sensation Thapelo Maseko wanted by Westerlo

This is the junior international’s second season in the domestic topflight since coming up through the club’s youth academy, and already there’s interest abroad, although the final decision lies with Matsatsantsa. 

Westerlo are understood to have tabled two offers, after taking a decision to improve the initial bid to try and lure Maseko to Europe. 

SuperSport had not made this public yet, but there’s a feeling the Tshwane outfit rate the player highly and believe it’s only a matter of time before he moves on.  

“We believe this was expected because Thapelo has had a phenomenal season under coach Gavin Hunt and was recently called up to the U23 and mentioned by Bafana coach Hugo Broos as well. We can confirm the offer,” said the player’s agent Lance Davids of Football First.

Maseko, still only 20, has totaled 20 appearances while scoring three goals so far this season, and has made an instant impact in a side looking to rebuild in Hunt's second stint at the helm.

“I think he is ready for the step up and he can follow in the footsteps of SA players who move to Europe at a young age and have done well in the past," added Davids, himself a former national team midfielder now based in Belgium.

"Westerlo is also an ideal club, they have a history with our players – from Lyle Foster recently, to Elrio van Heerden, Masilo Modubi, Jeffery Ntuka and Boy-Boy Mosia.

"There’s clearly something special if you also consider that Bontle Molefe and Mdu Shabalala went on trial there last year.

“But we do acknowledge the decision rests with his parent club and we hope they can allow him this opportunity, instead of maybe considering any local offers for Thapelo.” 

It’s also likely that, given Maseko’s potential, the Tshwane outfit could already have a buy-out clause in the player’s current contract, which runs until June 2025.