Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has weighed in on the future of Thapelo Maseko, revealing that the talented winger will stay at the club beyond the current transfer window.
The Brazilians have been in the news in the past few weeks, with reports emerging about unhappy players within their camp.
In one of the biggest stories in this transfer window, Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro Costa has reportedly approached FIFA through his legal representatives as he wants to terminate his contract with the Tshwane giants.
This comes as Masandawana reportedly turned down lucrative offers from Qatar SC and Fluminense for Ribeiro after the player impressed at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup over two months ago.
The reigning PSL Footballer of the Season is yet to feature for Sundowns in the 2025/26 campaign as he tries to force a move away from the club.
Meanwhile, Khuliso Mudau and Kutlwano Letlhaku are other key players who have received offers; however, the Chloorkop-based side hasn’t entertained the interest.
Mudau, just like Ribeiro, hasn’t been training with Sundowns in the new season, while Letlhaku remains a wanted man from teams in Europe.
Recently, Maseko voiced his frustration on Instagram, feeling overlooked by the Sundowns technical team despite his hard work in training.
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Interestingly, the speedy winger also had an offer from Cypriot side Aris Limassol, but the move did not materialise.
Cardoso says Maseko will remain at Sundowns, hinting that he might have a big role to play in the absence of Ribeiro.
“He will be here after the window closed. Why should he not be here? Cardoso asked. “He’s a Mamelodi Sundowns player, he’s part of the squad, and as I see it, I think the club has no intentions to let him go; he’s working hard.
“When you don’t have Lucas Ribeiro playing on the right, he’s a player who can play in that position. He’s trying to fight for his place, and I want my players to have motivation. If I give them chances, it will keep them motivated. All players are part of the team; there’s no one in the group that we don’t count.”
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