Lazola Maku embraces captaincy ahead of Amajita’s Cosafa U/20 Championship campaign

Lazola Maku says he is ready to use his experience to lead Amajita at the Cosafa U/20 Championship in Mozambique, after being appointed captain of the national under-20 side.

The tournament runs from 18 to 27 September, with Amajita drawn in Group B alongside Lesotho, Angola and Eswatini. The competition will also serve as a qualifier for the 2027 U/20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The squad trained at Marks Park on Monday afternoon and are due to travel to Mozambique on Thursday. Maku, one of the players remaining from the previous under-20 group, believes his responsibility extends beyond leading on the pitch.

“The spirit has been good and we are integrating well. We are sharing our experiences with new players, so it’s been good. The new squad is energetic compared to the previously under-20. With me, Takalazi (Mazhamba), (Emile) Witbooi and Kgomotso Madiba, we’ve been part of the squad and the most important thing is to share our experiences with the new guys and hopefully we can compete in the tournament,” Maku told media at Amajita training on Monday afternoon.

The midfielder said he was grateful to coach for entrusting him with the captaincy and intends to help the younger members of the squad settle into the team.

“I would like to thank the coach for appointing me as the captain. For me, being part of the previous under-20 group, it’s for me to help and lead the group and share my experiences with the team and lead the team to be victorious.”

Maku was released by Betway Premiership outfit Siwelele FC at the end of last season and is currently without a club. He has travelled abroad for assessments as he seeks to secure his next move.

For now, however, his focus is firmly on Amajita’s campaign in Mozambique.

“At the moment, I focused on the under-20 national team. Hopefully after the tournament we will,” he told media.