Mamelodi Sundowns sign South Africa Under-20 captain Lazola Maku

Mamelodi Sundowns have signed South African youth international Lazola Maku, who was a free agent after leaving Siwelele at the end of last season.

The 19-year-old midfielder did not renew his contract with the Bloemfontein-based club after making his debut towards the end of the campaign, during which he made two starts.

Maku joins the South African champions after establishing himself as one of the country’s promising young talents on the international stage.

He was named among the standout players at the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he helped South Africa beat Morocco 1-0 in the final to lift the trophy.

He also scored for South Africa at the Under-20 World Cup in Chile in October 2025, finding the net against New Caledonia.

Maku’s progress continued this year when he was appointed captain of the Amajita squad for the 2026 Under-20 COSAFA Championship.

He led South Africa to victory over hosts Mozambique in the final, securing qualification for the next Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Ghana.

Sundowns were able to complete the signing outside the transfer window because Maku was without a club after his departure from Siwelele.

The move gives the midfielder an opportunity to continue his development at one of South Africa’s leading clubs as he looks to build on his achievements with the national youth teams.