Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Thapelo Maseko has shared an emotional message expressing his frustration over limited playing time at the club. Let's take a closer look.
The story
The young and highly-rated winger joined Sundowns in July 2023 from the now-defunct SuperSport United, arriving with high expectations after his standout performances at Matsatsantsa.
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Maseko impressed in his debut season under the then-head coach Rulani Mokwena, earning consistent call-ups to the Bafana Bafana squad. He also played a key role in helping South Africa secure a bronze medal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the promising winger’s fortunes changed after Mokwena’s departure at the end of the 2023/24 season. He was replaced briefly by Manqoba Mngqithi before the club appointed Portuguese coach Miguel Cardoso.
Under the leadership of Mngqithi and Cardoso, Maseko struggled for game time, making only 13 appearances throughout the season. He was even dropped at times to the DStv Diski Challenge side.
Now, Maseko has broken his silence, expressing that he feels overlooked by the technical team under Carsdoso, who has publicly stated his preference for working with a smaller squad.
"I don't even know when it started, but lately it's like the fire in me is fading," Maseko wrote on Instagram.
"I still train like my life depends on it, still push through every tired muscle, every mental battle but inside, it feels empty. The game that once lit up my soul now feels different, heavier and colder.
it's a strange kind of pain giving everything you have, yet feeling unseen. You tell yourself to keep going but each day chips away at you.
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"Your confidence starts to crumble. You joy fades and the person you used to be feels like a memory you can't reach anymore," explained speedy winger.
"The hunger, The excitement, the love for the grind, they've all been slipping away piece by piece. Now hope feels like something far off in the distance and I'm left wondering if I'll ever get back to that place again."
