Mamelodi Sundowns have entered preliminary discussions with FC Copenhagen about a possible transfer for Bafana Bafana forward Thapelo Maseko.
The South African understands that negotiations between the South African champions and the Danish club are still at an early stage, with Sundowns only recently agreeing to consider approaches for the attacker.
Maseko, who prefers to leave on a permanent basis, returned to Chloorkop after completing a successful loan spell with Cypriot side AEL Limassol. AEL Limassol were keen to sign him permanently when the temporary deal ended, but the two clubs were unable to reach an agreement over the terms.
That breakdown has left Maseko back at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he is regarded as surplus to requirements. The club are prepared to sell the speedy forward, although they do not want to negotiate with any clubs from the Premier Soccer League.
The length of time taken by Sundowns to consider offers has added to Maseko’s frustration. It took more than two weeks for the Brazilians to entertain the possibility of discussions with FC Copenhagen, despite the player’s preference for a permanent move away from the club.
The proposed switch would give Maseko the chance to become only the fourth South African-born footballer to play for FC Copenhagen.
Former Orlando Pirates striker Sibusiso Zuma was the first South African to represent the club, joining in 2001. He was followed a year later by another former Bafana Bafana international, Elrio van Heerden.
The most recent South African player to sign for and feature for FC Copenhagen was Luther Singh, who joined the Danish club in 2021. Singh was Maseko’s team-mate during their time together at AEL Limassol.
No agreement has yet been reached between Mamelodi Sundowns and FC Copenhagen, and the talks remain at a preliminary stage. The outcome will determine whether Maseko follows Zuma, van Heerden and Singh by continuing his career in Denmark.
Maseko’s immediate future has been uncertain since his return from Cyprus. While AEL Limassol’s interest offered him a route to remain abroad, the failure to agree a permanent deal means his next move could now depend on whether FC Copenhagen can progress negotiations with Sundowns.
The discussions also come as Sundowns assess their options for a player who does not currently form part of their plans. Although the club are willing to listen to offers from overseas, their position remains that they will not do business with PSL rivals.
Maseko could therefore be set for a fresh opportunity outside South Africa if the early talks develop into a formal agreement. For now, however, the transfer remains under discussion and there is no completed deal between the two clubs.
