Lazola Maku joins Mamelodi Sundowns determined to repay family’s faith

Lazola Maku says he is determined to make his family proud after completing a long-term move to African champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

The 19-year-old midfielder joined the club on Tuesday morning, marking the biggest move of his career after progressing through the renowned SuperSport United academy.

Maku has emerged as one of South Africa’s leading young midfielders. He helped the national Under-20 side, Amajita, win the last Afcon in Egypt before representing them at the World Cup in Chile. He then captained the team to victory at the recent U20 Cosafa Championship in Mozambique.

His arrival at Sundowns follows several months as a free agent after leaving Siwelele at the end of last season. Although the move to the Brazilians came at a significant moment in his development, Maku reportedly had other offers and had also been targeting a move overseas.

Sundowns moved quickly to secure his signature and bring him to Chloorkop. The club have been the dominant force in South African football over the past decade and are also the reigning champions of the continent.

While Maku is pleased to join the country’s leading side, he said his greatest motivation was to honour the sacrifices made by his mother and grandmother.

“I was raised by my mother and grandmother. They have made me the man that I am today,” Maku said in a clip from his unveiling. “They taught me not to give up. My mother said: ‘Lazola, we are counting on you now.’ I have carried those words since.

“Everything that I do, I do for you. I also promise that I will make you proud of me. My name is Lazola Maku, and I am happy to be part of the team that keeps rising and going forward.”

Maku has time to develop at Sundowns, but a quick adjustment to his new surroundings could bring him into coach Miguel Cardoso’s plans sooner rather than later.

His arrival is particularly relevant with Teboho Mokoena requiring a strong deputy. Maku’s ability to operate in midfield and his experience as a youth international give him an opportunity to compete for a role within the squad.

The signing also reflects Sundowns’ continued strategy of recruiting promising young players who can strengthen the team while retaining the possibility of moving abroad if suitable opportunities arise.

Maku’s former Amajita team-mate Thato Sibiya recently left for France on loan, with the agreement including an option for the move to become permanent.