Thapelo Maseko has sparked speculation about his future at Mamelodi Sundowns following a revealing Instagram post that hints at a desire for a fresh start.
The 21-year-old winger, who joined the Brazilians from SuperSport United in 2023, has struggled to secure regular playing time.
He made just 14 appearances last season, scoring once, and was notably omitted from the squad that competed in the Club World Cup in the United States.
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Maseko’s absence continued into the new campaign, missing both the 1-1 draw against Chippa United on opening day and the MTN8 quarter-final victory over Richards Bay—raising further questions about his role under coach Miguel Cardoso.
Maseko posted on Instagram that he feels “unseen” and his hunger for the game is slowly fading away.
“I don’t know when it started, but lately it’s like the fire in me is fading. I still train like my life depends on it, still push through every tired muscle, mental battle, but inside it feels empty,” Maseko wrote.
“The game that once lit up my soul is now different, heavier, and colder. It’s a strange kind of pain, giving everything you have but feeling unseen. You tell yourself to keep going, but each day chips away at you. Your confidence starts to crumble, your joy fades, and the person you used to be feels like a memory you can’t reach anymore.
“The hunger, the excitement, and the love for the grind have been slipping away piece by piece, now hope feels like something far off in the distance.
“I’m left wondering if I’ve ever get to that place again, this is what it’s like to lose your spark and the hardest part is still showing up every single day, hoping you’ll find it again.”