Lazola Maku returns from Austria to lead South Africa’s COSAFA title defence

Lazola Maku has returned to South Africa after a successful two-month trial in Austria and will captain Amajita as they attempt to retain the COSAFA Championship title in Mozambique from this coming weekend.

The midfielder is the latest South African youngster to pursue a career in Europe, having trained with three Austrian clubs: SV Ried, newly promoted Austrian second-tier side FC Wacker Innsbruck and Rapid Vienna.

Maku was also part of the Amajita squad that won South Africa’s maiden U20 Africa Cup of Nations title in Egypt last year. He said the experience in Austria had given him valuable insight into the demands of professional football.

“Ja, obviously my trial in Austria was very successful. It was very good, and ja, my fitness levels are good. I’ve had a good pre-season. For me, the most important thing I learned there from my trial in Austria was learning the new side of things because when I was there,” said Maku.

“I would say being a professional at an early age is really important. This can also help us as South African players to start having that mentality of saying you’re not young anymore, so you must start acting like a professional at a very young age. When you go that side, you have to be professional and adapt to the system.”

Born in Cape Town and with family roots in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, Maku said he was compared with France’s World Cup-winning midfielder N’Golo Kante while in Austria.

The 20-year-old, who is known for his small stature and energetic style of play, said the clubs had given him the nickname because of the similarities they saw between the two players.

Maku has previously worn the captain’s armband for Amajita, having led the side on occasions during last year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Egypt. This time, however, the responsibility carries greater significance for the Ubuntu FC academy player, who has been appointed captain.

He will not be the only member of the squad with experience from the previous Amajita team.

Kaizer Chiefs’ first-team goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba, Kgomotso Madiba, who plays for Fluminense in Brazil, and Cape Town City player Emile Witbooi are also part of the group.

Maku believes the presence of players who have already competed at a high level will be important as South Africa begin their latest attempt to defend the regional title.