Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has admitted that Thapelo Maseko “was not in a good space” at Mamelodi Sundowns, while explaining how moving to Cyprus rejuvenated the attacker’s game.
After expressing frustrations at being sidelined by Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, Maseko was loaned out to Cypriot First Division side AEL Limassol midway through the 2025/26 season. The 22-year-old enjoyed regular football at AEL Limassol, making 15 appearances in league and cup games.
Despite scoring just two goals and making no assists, he returned to the national team fold and made the final World Cup squad. The winger then justified coach Hugo Broos’ decision to select him by becoming one of Bafana’s best-performing players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Starting the tournament as an unused substitute against co-hosts Mexico, Maseko then started the other three games. His goal in the last Group A tie against South Korea sent Bafana into the Round of 32, where they were, however, eliminated by Canada. Earlier in the second match of the group, he had earned South Africa an equalising penalty in the 1-1 draw with the Czechs after his shot was handled by Pavel Sulc inside the box.
WILLIAMS DETAILS MASEKO’S QUALITIES AFTER CYPRUS MOVE AND BAFANA RETURN
Maseko returned to the national side in March, playing 31 minutes in the second international friendly against Panama, having been an unused substitute in the first game against the CONCACAF outfit.
It was a return to the Bafana setup for the first time since the 2023 AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast. Now, after solid performances at the World Cup, Williams credits that to the January loan transfer to Cyprus.
“I think the move helped Maseko because he wasn’t in a very good space,” said Williams as he addressed the media at OR Tambo International Airport upon Bafana’s arrival from Los Angeles on Thursday.
“We saw glimpses of that during the second half of the season for the team that he played for. When he came to the national team, we could see it; we could see the energy. He was dribbling; he looked fit and strong.
“Going into the tournament, we knew we had something; we had a weapon in him because he is so deadly and powerful. He showed it at that level, so I am just happy for him that he is in a good space.”
THAPELO MASEKO NOT WILLING TO RETURN TO MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
FARPost has previously reported that Maseko is not keen on returning to the Brazilians despite still having a running contract.
He has set his sights on remaining in Europe, with AEL Limassol interested in a permanent deal. Czech giants Slavia Prague are understood to be interested in his services.
“Wherever his future is, I just hope that he can go out there and perform and be happy,” said Williams.
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