Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United agree Thapelo Maseko transfer in principle

As previously reported by SABC Sport, the two clubs have been in discussion over the sale of the 20-year-old moving to Chloorkop. 

Maseko had initially attracted interest from Belgian topflight club KV Westerlo, who followed up with three offers that were all rejected by Matsatsantsa in favour of what they deemed to be a financially viable sale abroad. 

Although SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews said there was a trial lined up for Maseko in England, nothing materialised and this has worked to Sundowns’ benefit.

The public broadcaster can reveal the Tshwane giants have now held formal talks and decided the transfer can go ahead once all the finer details have been ironed out ahead of the 2023/24 season next month. 

Maseko himself enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under coach Gavin Hunt featuring in 25 games and scoring four goals for SuperSport as well as getting a Bafana Bafana call-up from Hugo Broos. 

This then also means Matsatsantsa will be losing two of their young assets from the previous season to the traditional big three – Orlando Pirates signed another attacker in Patrick Maswanganyi at the end of last month. 

Maseko was promoted to the SuperSport first team during the 2021/22 season and made his debut against Maritzburg United midway through the campaign while Kaitano Tembo, now at Richards Bay, was the head coach. 

Should all the paperwork be finalised, as expected, he will work closely with Rulani Mokwena, another tactician who believes in the development on young players in the Premier Soccer League.