Thapelo Maseko Set for Major Move to Copenhagen
Sundowns winger Thapelo Maseko is on the brink of a major European move, with a switch to Danish giants Copenhagen now all but sealed.
The South African champions agreed a transfer fee with the Danish club earlier this week, clearing the last major hurdle. All that remains is the medical. The 22-year-old is expected to fly out by the weekend, and once he passes his tests, the deal will be formally completed.
From World Cup high to Chloorkop exit
The transfer closes a turbulent chapter for Maseko at Chloorkop.
He returns from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Bafana Bafana’s breakout stars, having played a key role in South Africa’s historic run to the knockout stages. His standout moment came against South Korea, when he struck the winning goal to send the nation into the last 16 for the first time.
Yet that high never translated into trust at club level.
Despite his World Cup heroics, Sundowns left him out of their pre-season tour to Austria last month, a decision that raised eyebrows and underlined how far he had slipped down the pecking order. By then, the writing was on the wall. Maseko had already made it clear he wanted out, and coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed publicly that the player had expressed a desire to leave.
A career that stalled, then sparked again
Maseko joined Sundowns from SuperSport United in July 2023 after a breakthrough season with Matsatsantsa, arriving as one of the most exciting young attackers in the country. The move was supposed to launch him into a new stratosphere.
Instead, his minutes dried up.
As opportunities became scarce and his influence faded, Sundowns sent him on loan to AEL Limassol for the final six months of last season. That switch proved crucial. In Cyprus, he rediscovered his rhythm, sharpened his form and forced his way back into the Bafana Bafana setup.
The stint was far from perfect, though. The public broadcaster reported that payment issues marred the final months of his time at Limassol, and Maseko was not keen on returning there once the loan expired. A second spell in Cyprus was never on his agenda.
A new stage, a familiar path
Copenhagen have now stepped in with a permanent offer, giving Maseko the chance to continue his career in Europe at a club that regularly chases honours on the continental stage. The move hands him a platform in a team that expects to compete, not just participate.
It also places him in distinguished company.
By heading to Copenhagen, Maseko follows the trail once blazed by South African legend Sibusiso Zuma, who became a cult figure at the club after joining in 2000. Zuma went on to make 188 appearances and score 53 goals for the Danes, carving out one of the most respected South African careers in Europe.
Maseko now gets his own shot at that kind of legacy. The fee is agreed, the bags are almost packed. Europe is calling again — this time on his terms.
