SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews has spoken out on interest in breakout star Thapelo Maseko.
The SuperSport academy graduate has been linked with a move to Europe, with Belgian side Westerlo reportedly eager to sign him.
Matthews insists they will set up trials for the 20-year-old, although he believes two more years in the PSL would help him.
He further revealed there had been offers for the youngster locally and abroad following his maiden season in the top flight.
TRIAL IN JULY
Maseko has featured 23 times for Matsatsantsa this season, being deployed as a wing-back or in attack by Gavin Hunt. He has four goals and two assists in those outings.
Matthews revealed they had a three-year contract with the player, citing that the real decision would be whether he wants “to go overseas and prove himself through the ranks in Europe”.
He believes the youth international is getting chances to develop and express himself under Hunt at the club.
On the Westerlo offer, he said they were not in a rush as other “European clubs would be coming for Thapelo Maseko”.
As a result, SuperSport “don’t feel like we need to jump at the first offer that comes along”.
Maseko is set to travel overseas with the SuperSport Diski Challenge team that just won the title.
“He will go overseas with that team to participate in an international tournament to get some exposure at that level.
“He will also stay there and have a trial with a big European club. That’s lined up for him in July, and then we can sit down with him and talk about the time frame and say maybe the end of next season will be a good time for him to move.”
READ:SA youth international on the radar of Belgian giants
25 PLUS GAMES
He is convinced Maseko will get 25 plus games in the DStv Premiership, which would aid his development.
However, he insists they would consider it if the “right offer” comes. Maseko has been at SuperSport since the age of 15.
This season, he made the step up to the DStv Premiership. He was a vital cog in the national Under 23 team that played in the AFCON qualifiers.
Unfortunately, his goal against Congo Brazzaville was not enough to take South Africa to Morocco next month.
South Africa failed to score in Congo, losing out due to the away goals rule.