Mamelodi Sundowns Announce Signing of South African Star on Free Transfer After Leaving PSL Club
- Mamelodi Sundowns officially confirmed the signing of 19-year-old Amajita captain Lazola Maku on a free transfer
- Maku had been without a club after his release from Siwelele FC and even went on trial in Austria before finding his footing
- The teenage utility player caught Sundowns' eye during the U20 COSAFA tournament, which South Africa won
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Mamelodi Sundowns have confirmed the signing of Lazola Maku, the 19-year-old captain of South Africa's under-20 national side, Amajita, marking the club's eighth new addition ahead of the current campaign.
Maku arrives at Chloorkop on a free transfer after being released by Siwelele FC at the conclusion of last season. With no club attached to his name, the teenager travelled to Austria in search of opportunities but was unable to secure a deal there.
Maku earns his move through COSAFA
His fortunes changed when national under-20 coach Raymond Mdaka included him in the Amajita squad for the U20 COSAFA tournament, a competition South Africa went on to win.
Maku's performances throughout the tournament attracted the attention of Sundowns' scouting department, which subsequently recommended the club move for his signature.
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Reports linking him to a move to the Tshwane club had already circulated in the media in the days preceding the official announcement, and those reports have since been confirmed. Sundowns are believed to have tied the utility player down to a long-term contract.
A generational plan in midfield
Maku is regarded as a long-term solution in the defensive midfield role, a position where Sundowns are currently reliant on more senior figures such as Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas. With both players advancing in age, the club's hierarchy appears to be planning for a future transition, and Maku fits the profile of a player who can gradually take on greater responsibility.
The addition of Maku does not appear to be Sundowns' final business in midfield. According to a report by The South African, the club is also expected to conclude the signing of Ecuadorian international Jhegson Mendez in January. The 29-year-old brings significant experience at senior level, though his age means he is viewed as a shorter-term option rather than a generational cornerstone.
Maku's signing excludes Tsiki Ntsabeleng, who was already part of the Sundowns set-up prior to the current transfer activity.
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Source: Briefly News
