Sundowns Reject SuperSport For Bringing Back Maseko

SuperSport United coach Gavin Hunt confirmed that he wanted winger Thapelo Maseko back at the club and that they approached Mamelodi Sundowns, but the deal never materialized.

Maseko, who Sundowns signed from SuperSport United at the start of last season, has had limited playing time this season. The 21-year-old has made seven appearances in all competitions for the club, contributing neither goals nor assists. He was on the bench during Sundowns’ 4-0 victory over Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday.

“We tried, but for whatever reasons, they hold all the cards, and we can’t do anything,” Hunt admitted. “He wasn’t playing much when we tried to sign him. So, we move on.”

Instead, SuperSport secured Lebohang Maboe from Sundowns on loan until the end of the season after the former Bafana Bafana international requested a release in search of regular playing time.

Since joining Sundowns, Maseko has played in 31 matches, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

When asked if SuperSport regretted letting Maseko go so early, given his lack of playing time at Sundowns, Hunt replied, “Well, that has nothing to do with me. Obviously, I have my thoughts and views on players when they leave and how they leave. He is with another team now, and maybe, from that perspective, leaving early was too early, possibly.”

Interestingly, Sundowns will face SuperSport, potentially including Maseko, in the Betway Premiership match at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday at 7:30 PM.

The last time SuperSport won at home against Sundowns, in September 2022 at the same venue in Pretoria, Maseko was part of the SuperSport team and scored in their 2-1 victory. Abubeker Nasir, now on loan at SuperSport, scored the consolation goal for Sundowns in that match.