Mamelodi Sundowns give Lazola Maku time to adapt after free-agent move

Lazola Maku will not be expected to force his way into the Mamelodi Sundowns starting line-up immediately, with the club prepared to give the midfielder time to settle.

Sundowns confirmed the signing of Maku on Tuesday after he left Siwelele FC as a free agent at the end of last season. He now faces strong competition for a place in midfield as he attempts to establish himself in the team.

Head coach Cardoso said players joining Sundowns often need time to adapt before they can secure a regular place.

“It’s not easy for a player to arrive at Sundowns and create a space automatically,” Cardoso told the media.

“Unfortunately, I’m going to have to speak about a name that makes me … even Jayden (Adams) had difficulties to impose himself at Sundowns as soon as he arrived.”

Cardoso stressed that Maku would not be placed under immediate pressure, despite the high level of competition within the squad.

“Without putting pressure on the boy, let him settle. He has just arrived,” he said.

“He felt very comfortable among us, but there is a lot of competition there and he will have to prove a lot until. It doesn’t mean we don’t recognise the quality because we do.”

Maku joins Sundowns with experience of representing the junior national teams, but he will only be eligible to feature in the Champions League.