Maseko omission raises questions ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Club World Cup campaign

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.

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 form of Kobamelo Kodisang has dwindled since returning from Portugal.

The 25-year-old winger managed only seven league appearances this season, and his lack of inclusion in the match-day squad for the final eleven games raises serious questions about his role moving forward. He has completed the first of his five-year deal — three years plus an option for two — and his representative is set to meet with Sundowns to decide his future at the club.

At the age of 15 years and 363 days, Kodisang became one of the youngest players ever to feature in the Premier Soccer League, debuting for Platinum Stars in August 2015. He subsequently spent six seasons playing in Portugal.

In the absence of these players, the squad — under the guidance of coach Miguel Cardoso — will rely on stalwarts such as Ronwen Williams, Themba Zwane, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Teboho Mokoena, and Peter Shalulile.

Fresh from clinching an unprecedented eighth consecutive domestic title, the club will now represent Africa on the international stage in the USA, playing at some of the country’s most iconic stadiums, including Inter & Co Stadium, TQL Stadium, and Hard Rock Stadium.