The Bafana Bafana winger has signed a long-term contract with the Danish giants until 2030, following an impressive rise from SuperSport United to the European stage.
THAPELO MASEKO’S TRANSFER FEE OUT OF SUNDOWNS REVEALED
According to Danish publication Bold, FC Copenhagen negotiated an upfront transfer fee of approximately €800,000 (around R15 million) with Mamelodi Sundowns for Thapelo Maseko.
That figure is significantly lower than previous reports in South Africa, which valued the complete package at around €1.5 million (approximately R28 million).
The final value of the deal could still increase depending on bonuses and other conditions included in the agreement. Maseko has committed his long-term future to FC Copenhagen, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2030.
The move also sees the 22-year-old follow in the footsteps of South African legend Sibusiso Zuma, who became a club icon during his time in Copenhagen.
Maseko arrives in Denmark after making his mark at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he scored the winning goal for Bafana Bafana against South Korea.
FC COPENHAGEN BACK MASEKO’S POTENTIAL
FC Copenhagen director of football Kristjaan Speakman believes Maseko will provide another attacking option while giving the squad a different profile.
“We’re building a balanced squad with different profiles and Thapelo is an exciting addition,” Speakman said. “He’s comfortable to play on both sides of the pitch and likes to attack space with and without the ball.”
Head coach Bo Svensson also highlighted Maseko’s pace and ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations. “In Thapelo, we get an explosive, dynamic player with exceptional qualities in direct, 1-on-1 situations,” Svensson said.
The Danish coach believes Maseko has significant room for development and expects him to improve further in Denmark.
Maseko started his professional career at SuperSport United, progressing through the club’s academy after being spotted at a school tournament.
He was promoted to the senior squad in August 2021 before making his first-team debut as a substitute against Maritzburg United in February 2022.
The 2022/23 campaign proved to be his breakthrough season. Maseko made more than 30 appearances across all competitions and established himself as one of the country’s exciting young attacking players.
His performances earned him his first Bafana Bafana call-up in 2023 before Mamelodi Sundowns completed his signing in July of that year.
Now, after developing at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs and representing the country at the FIFA World Cup, Maseko has taken the next step in his career with FC Copenhagen.
