Miguel Cardoso reiterates open-door policy for Thapelo Maseko despite player’s exit desire

Mothobi Mvala, Kutlwano Letlhaku and Thato Sibiya lead Mamelodi Sundowns teammates in commemoration of late superstar Jayden Adams. Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardosohas reiterated his willingness to reintegrate Thapelo Maseko into his squad, but the player’s desire to move on from the club has effectively stalled any potential reunion. Maseko impressed during Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the knockout stage of the World Cup, raising expectations that he would either reclaim his spot at Chloorkop or secure a high-profile move abroad.

However, those expectations have yet to materialise. The 22-year-old has notably been missing during pre-season,failing to join Sundowns on their tour of Austriaand not returning to Cypriot side AEL Limassol, where he spent the latter half of last season on loan. Following Sundowns’ 3-2 victory over Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday night, Cardoso addressed the club’s stance and his personal rapport with the attacker.

“Between coach Miguel Cardoso and Thapelo Maseko, there are no issues. Yesterday, I had a beautiful talk with Maseko,” Cardoso explained. “I was asked inside the club when we discussed his situation; we obviously had to understand if he wanted to stay with us or not.

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“I don’t want to work with players who don’t want to be part of our group. I asked him, and I said: ‘Look, my heart is open for you to be here; the team is open for you if you want to join us and stay open-hearted with us.’”

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