Source: @Sowetan
Mamelodi Sundowns have secured one of South African football’s most promising young midfielders, with Amajita captain Lazola Maku joining the reigning domestic heavyweights on a free transfer.
The announcement brings a new opportunity for a player whose leadership credentials have already been tested in international competition. Maku became available after leaving Siwelele FC in July, following a major squad clear-out that saw 23 players released. Sundowns have now moved to secure his services without paying a transfer fee.
The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the signing gives Sundowns access to a midfielder who has already experienced success at youth international level. For a club accustomed to competing for domestic honours and continental silverware, Maku represents a longer-term investment in South African talent.
Lazola Maku brings winning experience to Sundowns’ midfield
Maku’s strongest selling point is his record in national colours. He played a key role in South Africa’s historic triumph at the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, when Amajita defeated Morocco 1-0 in Cairo to claim their first title in the competition. His performances earned him a place in the tournament’s Best XI, recognition that placed him among the leading players in his age group.
He added another achievement in September 2026 by captaining South Africa to victory at the COSAFA Under-20 Championship in Mozambique. Leading a successful national team requires more than technical ability, and Maku has already been entrusted with responsibility at a level where results carry considerable pressure.
His club experience, however, remains limited. Maku made five senior appearances for Siwelele last season, leaving a sizeable gap between his youth international achievements and the demands of regular first-team football at Sundowns.
That is where the real test begins. Sundowns possess a deep midfield department, with established professionals competing for places in a side that expects to control possession and maintain high technical standards. Maku will need to demonstrate that his ability at youth level can translate into performances against experienced senior opponents.
The competition for minutes could make his early development difficult, but it also offers an opportunity to train alongside players accustomed to winning major trophies. If he adapts quickly to the demands of the club’s coaching staff, Sundowns could have a valuable homegrown option for the seasons ahead.
The move gives Maku a platform to turn youth-level success into a sustained senior career. His next task is to make every opportunity count, proving that his reputation as an Amajita leader can stand up to the demands of South African club football.
