Mamelodi Sundowns star Thapelo Maseko was one of the regulars at the club last season, even winning Player of the Tournament in the inaugural African Football League (AFL).
However, since the start of this season, Maseko has been playing DDC games, leaving many to wonder why the Bafana Bafana midfielder has supposedly gone down a level.
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Siya sources have indicated that the technical team wanted him to gain fitness by playing regularly in the DDC.
The sources stated that the technical team is now happy with his progress and will slowly integrate him back into the first team from now on.
"He had to remain active after recovering from injury via the DDC team and that was the right place to start regaining his form where necessary. He was training with the first team but on weekends he was keeping fit by playing in the DDC. There was nothing wrong at all with his age, he was eligible to play in the DDC and that's why they suggested that route and now he is fit and ready to play in the first team again," the Siya source stated.
A second Siya source stated that Maseko gave his best during his time with the DDC team, which helped him gain his confidence and fitness.
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"What Thapelo (Maseko) did while playing for the DDC team showed his commitment not only to the team but to the game as well. That's what helped him regain his fitness and confidence faster than expected. Now that he is back, the technical team will be able to use him again and he is ready to go," the second source stated.
The 20-year-old former SuperSport United midfielder was named on the bench on Wednesday as the Brazilians went on to beat Royal AM 2-1, regaining top spot in the Betway Premiership table after winning all four of their opening games.
South Africa will be eager to see Maseko back in action for Sundowns so that he can also get ready to represent Bafana Bafana in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
