Mamelodi Sundowns winger Thapelo Maseko is reportedly finalising a move to Cypriot outfit AEL Limassol, where he is expected to join fellow South African international Luther Singh.
The 22-year-old speedster has endured a challenging 2025/26 campaign, finding himself down the pecking order at Chloorkop.
Despite being hailed as one of the brightest talents in the Betway Premiership, Maseko has made just seven appearances across all competitions this season, struggling to break into Miguel Cardoso’s preferred starting XI.
Maseko’s agent, Glynn Binkin, has been vocal about the need for the player to secure regular game time to avoid stagnation in his development. The move to Cyprus represents a strategic attempt to recapture the form that saw Maseko named the Most Valuable Player of the inaugural African Football League in 2023. Since that peak, a combination of injuries and intense competition for places at Sundowns has led to his trajectory plateauing.
THE SOUTH AFRICAN CONNECTION AT AEL LIMASSOL
By joining AEL Limassol, Maseko will link up with Luther Singh, potentially lining up alongside each other in the Cypriot First Division. The club has recently undergone a significant rebuild, notably signing veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa late last year, as they look to climb the league standings.
Maseko’s deal is said to be a six-month loan agreement, keeping him at the club for the rest of the season. A Sundowns source confirmed that Maseko left the Sundowns camp in Polokwane to travel to his new base.
The winger possesses skill, speed and a very good engine with the capacity to dominate the line. His versatility could also be something that excites his new club. In addition to his left- or right-wing positions, Maseko can play as a left wing-back, a left midfielder, and as a striker.
His rapid rise also saw him become a fixture in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana setup, earning seven caps and playing a role in South Africa’s bronze-medal finish at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, where he netted a memorable goal.
AEL Limassol are currently seventh in the Cypriot First Division after playing 17 games this season. They have won seven, drawn three and lost seven, amassing 24 points in the 14-team league. Singh, who signed a new deal with the club until 2027, has been in good form, scoring five goals and assisting on four.
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