Miguel Cardoso urges patience with Mamelodi Sundowns newcomer Lazola Maku

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has called for patience as Lazola Maku begins his career at the club, warning that the young midfielder faces strong competition before he can establish himself in the first team.

Maku is Sundowns’ most recent signing and is among the youngest players in the squad. The central midfielder has represented his country at youth international level, but he must compete with Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, Thabo Cele, Gomolemo Kekana and Marcelo Allende for opportunities in the positions he occupies.

Cardoso said it was unrealistic to expect a new arrival to secure a place immediately at Chloorkop.

“It is not easy for a player to arrive at Sundowns and create a space automatically,” said the head coach.

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

The coach stressed that Maku should be allowed time to adapt rather than being judged by how quickly he breaks into the team.

“So, without putting pressure on the boy, let him settle,” Cardoso said.

“He has just arrived.

“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.”

Cardoso said Sundowns already appreciated Maku’s ability, but believed the player needed to become familiar with the club’s expectations and settle into his new surroundings.

“We trust and we recognise the quality, but let the boy have time to settle down and feel comfortable and understand what we want from him,” he added.

The competition for midfield places means Maku’s chances will depend not only on his quality, but also on how he responds to the battle for selection within the squad.

“Also, because there are a lot of players in his place and it will come from the fight that he will put with the others in the possibility of him playing or not,” said Cardoso.

Maku therefore begins his Sundowns career with the club recognising his potential while making clear that opportunities must be earned. Cardoso’s comments underline the depth available to the team in midfield and the challenge facing the latest arrival as he adapts to life at Chloorkop.