Mamelodi Sundowns winger Thapelo Maseko is set for a European adventure after Cyprus top-flight side AEL Limassol officially confirmed his acquisition on a loan deal until the end of the season.
The move marks a significant step for the 22-year-old speedster, who departs Chloorkop in search of regular game time following a competitive period in the Brazilians’ star-studded offensive lineup.
Maseko has faced a difficult spell at Sundowns under head coach Miguel Cardoso, struggling to break into the starting line-up in the past few months. The left-footed winger has been with Sundowns since July 2023 after signing from the now-defunct SuperSport United, who sold their top-flight status to Siwelele FC in the off-season.
Maseko joined Sundowns as one of the promising talents in the PSL; however, he struggled to live up to expectations after falling down the pecking order. Earlier this season, the Bafana Bafana international took to Instagram to express his mental battles that are emanating from his lack of game time at Sundowns.
The 22-year-old has featured in only seven appearances across all competitions for Masandawana this campaign. His chances of playing regularly took a further blow when the club signed former Orlando Pirates star Monnapule Saleng in the current transfer window.
Maseko will be looking to regain his best form at Limassol, where he will team up with South African attacker Luther Singh. The highly-rated winger is the second player to leave Sundowns in this window after the club parted ways with Mosa Lebusa, who is signed with Stellenbosch FC.
AEL LIMASSOL UNVEIL THAPELO MASEKO
Limassol unveiled Maseko on Tuesday after reaching an agreement with Sundowns for a loan move for the remainder of the season.
“Limassol Athletic Association announces the reach of an agreement with South African Champions League Mamelodi Sundowns FC for the loan of footballer Thapelo Maseko, until the end of the current football season,” the club said in a statement.
“Thapelo Maseko is 22 years old and plays in all positions in midfield. His professional career started with the SuperSport United team, with which he recorded 34 appearances. In 2023, he signed up for the champions Mamelodi Sundowns FC, recording to date 45 appearances in domestic and international events such as the African Football League & Cup and the CAF Champions League.
“In addition, he is international with the South African national team, having so far recorded 7 appearances. We welcome the footballer to the big family of AEL and wish him every success with the blue and yellow jersey.”
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