Mamelodi Sundowns FC have strengthened their squad with the signing of promising young midfielder Lazola Maku on a long-term contract. The 19-year-old, who was a free agent after leaving Siwelele, joined the club on Tuesday morning. He arrives as the club sits first in the Premier Soccer League with 23 points from a record of seven wins and two draws from nine games, a point clear of Orlando Pirates.

Maku arrives with an impressive youth pedigree, having captained the South Africa U20 side to the recent COSAFA Championship title in Mozambique and helped the team win the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He was nurtured at the SuperSport United academy before his senior career began. The player has stated his focus is on making his family proud with this move to the reigning champions.

Coach Miguel Cardoso may include Maku in his immediate plans as a strategic backup option for key midfielder Teboho Mokoena. This aligns with the club's broader strategy of recruiting young players with high potential, some of whom may later move to other clubs if suitable offers arise. Maku's former U20 teammate, Thato Sibiya, recently moved to France on a loan deal that could become permanent, illustrating this pathway.

The signing reinforces Mamelodi Sundowns' commitment to development while they maintain a dominant position at the top of the Premier Soccer League. They currently lead the standings with 23 points from nine games, holding a one-point advantage over Orlando Pirates. Their recent form shows three wins and two draws from their last five matches, an unbeaten run that includes a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay and a goalless draw with Wiliete last weekend. The team has scored 23 goals and conceded only eight this season, giving them a goal difference of plus fifteen.

With the next fixture at home against Durban City, who are tenth in the table, on 1 November, the addition of Maku provides fresh options as the squad manages a busy schedule. The club's top scorer this season is Tashreeq Matthews with three goals in nine appearances, a tally that includes a goal in the 4-1 win over Richards Bay on 13 October.

The report in full is at capetimes.co.za