Latest news with #ThapeloMaseko
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs face Euro competition in chase for AFL star
Kaizer Chiefs have reignited their interest in Mamelodi Sundowns winger Thapelo Maseko, but they now face fresh competition from abroad, as Cypriot outfit Aris Limassol step into the picture. Although Maseko found himself on the fringes of Sundowns' squad under Miguel Cardoso, having even been left out of the FIFA Club World Cup group, his talent continues to attract serious attention both locally and internationally. A well-placed source has confirmed Aris Limassol's interest in the Bafana Bafana winger. The Cypriot club have reportedly begun early talks around a possible transfer. 'There is local interest including Kaizer Chiefs and from his former team SuperSport United. But it seems a possible move to Cyprus is more prominent at this point. They have enquired about the price and signing-on fee and some logistics as well already. It's all up to the involved parties to agree on everything and things will work out. But, yes, interest from Aris Limassol, the same team that Mihlali Mayambela plays for, is there,' the source revealed. Despite foreign interest, Kaizer Chiefs remain firmly in the conversation. The Soweto giants view Maseko as a key target as they seek to bolster their wide attacking options ahead of the new campaign. Chiefs previously expressed interest in the winger when he emerged as a breakout star at SuperSport United, and their admiration hasn't faded. Though Maseko did not enjoy regular game time at Chloorkop last season, he still made headlines. The winger clinched the inaugural African Football League Player of the Tournament award and played a role in Bafana Bafana's bronze-medal finish at AFCON in Ivory Coast. The next few weeks could prove decisive. Kaizer Chiefs will hope that their local pull and Maseko's desire for more consistent game time convince the player to snub a European move in favour of a high-profile switch to Naturena. Where should Maseko play his football, Kaizer Chiefs, SuperSport, or Limassol? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Rivals overtake Kaizer Chiefs in race for Mamelodi Sundowns star
Kaizer Chiefs are still searching the market to add some top attacking talents to their side for next season. Chiefs have struggled for goals in the past three seasons and missed out on the top eight again last season. There have been quite a few attackers linked with Chiefs going into the next season. This as a sign of what they're trying to fix in the final third. Amakhosi have seen the likes of Fiston Mayele, Etiosa Ighodaro, Robert Polievka mentioned as strikers. In the wingers department Oswin Appollis, Elias Mokwana, Mihlali Mayambela and Keletso Makgalwa have been touted. Another player who was also linked with Chiefs not too long ago was Mamelodi Sundowns star Thapelo Maseko. The player has not had the best of times since joining Masandawana, getting very limited game time so far. His situation took an even worse turn after being left out by the side for their FIFA Club World Cup exploits. The rumours of Maseko joining Chiefs have gone quiet recently and its now his former side SuperSport United being mentioned. According to Soccer-Laduma , talks of a return Matsatsantsa are at an advanced stage! 'SuperSport United wanted him initially on loan in January before they got Lebohang Maboe but things didn't work out that time. Now they are working on a permanent deal for Maseko and apparently it's believed that it's imminent,' said a source to the same publication. A well placed source also told the same publication that Maseko was no longer in the Sundowns plans. 'You see those players who went to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup are the core of Sundowns. Their contracts and future is safe. Thapelo Maseko was left behind so that he could finalise his move back to SuperSport United and now it's believed that the deal is imminent,' said the source. Chiefs fans would you still like your club to try sign Maseko? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
5 Mamelodi Sundowns players left out of Club World Cup squad
BIG NAMES LEFT OUT Mamelodi Sundowns announced their Club World Cup squad, leaving out key players like Jody February (pictured), Thapelo Maseko and Matías Esquivel. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix With the Club World Cup kicking off in the USA on Saturday, there were a number of big-name omissions in the Mamelodi Sundowns squad, which will be hoping to make South Africa proud. With Sundowns' first match a week, scheduled for June 10, against Ulsan HD in Orlando, Florida, it will be with a powerful 26-player squad. As with any squad, there will always be a number of players left disappointed by being left out. Themba Zwane will lead Sundowns at the tournament, with Ronwen Williams handling the vice-captaincy duties.
IOL News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Maseko omission raises questions ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup campaign
Bafana Bafana's Thapelo Maseko was a notable omission from the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that departed for the Fifa Club World Cup on Sunday. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix The absence of promising winger Thapelo Maseko from Mamelodi Sundowns' squad for the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup has ignited a swirl of speculation concerning his future at the club. Not too long ago, the 21-year-old captured the imagination of the African football fraternity with his achievements, notably clinching the African Football League Player of the Tournament title in November 2023. He was also the leading goalscorer in the inaugural continental competition, which Sundowns won. Subsequently, he secured international caps with Bafana Bafana during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but now finds his future shrouded in uncertainty. Despite this meteoric rise, Maseko has seen a sharp decrease in his game time this season, leading many to question whether internal adjustments within the squad could be at play. The #FIFACWC trophy made a special stop at Ukuthula Lodge, surrounded by the stunning beauty of Africa as Masandawana's journey roars onward. 🏆🦁 Watch the full experience on our Youtube Channel. 📲 #TakeItToTheWorld #RabatsenaGape — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) June 8, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ His undeniable talent and previous contributions to Sundowns' victories had endeared him to fans, making his absence from the team more conspicuous as they prepare for a high-stakes tournament in the United States. Alongside Maseko, the confirmed 23-man squad for the World Cup is noteworthy for the exclusion of several players who have been worthy acquisitions at Sundowns. Among these omissions is Jody February, the recently re-signed goalkeeper, who had surgery just days before the team's departure to the US. In the defensive ranks, Lucas Suárez, the Uruguayan import, also missed out as he continues to acclimatise to the nuances of local football. His struggles on the pitch have rendered him less impactful compared to teammates like Mosa Lebusa — particularly after an unfortunate blunder during the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs, who defeated Sundowns. At 30-years old, Suárez's prospects for a long-term deal appear slim, especially with emerging talents such as Keanu Cupido and Kegan Johannes, who also failed to make the tour party. Also notably absent from the line-up is Matías Esquivel, an Argentine playmaker on the brink of breaking through after a few cameo appearances. He has since fallen out of favour.
The South African
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Spotted: Sundowns' squad for the FIFA Club World Cup
We're edging so close. Mamelodi Sundowns are ready to fly the South African flag at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. The Betway Premiership champions have submitted their 26-man squad to FIFA. Sundowns will jet out of the OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening. The tournament will feature the world's biggest clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City and the UEFA Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain. Some surprise omissions include Thapelo Maseko, Keagan Johannes, Jody February, Lucas Suarez and Terrance Mashego. Kabo Yellow's FIFA Club World Cup 2025 squad. Image: FIFA In the meantime, Sundowns are leaving on Sunday for the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA. Kabo Yellow have been drawn in Group F alongside South Korea's Ulsan HD FC, German giants Borussia Dortmund, and Brazilian powerhouse Fluminense. Wednesday, 18 June: Ulsan vs Sundowns at 00:00 from the Inter & Co Stadium, Orlando, USA. Saturday, 21 June: Sundowns vs Dortmund at 18:00 from the QTL Stadium, Cincinnati, USA. Wednesday, 25 June: Sundowns vs Fluminese at 21:00 from the Hard Rock Stadium, Florida, USA. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
