Mamelodi Sundowns have bolstered their squad for continental competition by signing 19-year-old midfielder Lazola Maku. The club confirmed the free agent acquisition on Tuesday, adding a player with significant youth pedigree ahead of the CAF Champions League group stages.
Maku joins after his departure from Siwelele FC at the end of last season, where he made five professional appearances. He was one of 23 players released by the club during the pre-season window. Sundowns moved quickly to secure the talented youngster on a long-term deal, with his registration completed on October 1.
The midfielder arrives with proven success at youth international level. He captained the South African U20 side, known as Amajita, to victory in the 2026 COSAFA U-20 Championship in Mozambique. Maku was also a key part of the squad that won the 2025 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Cairo, earning a place in the tournament's Best XI. This continental experience is seen as valuable for Sundowns' own African ambitions.
His signing comes as the club prepares for life after Marcelo Allende, who is in his final season with the Brazilians. Maku also provides depth in a midfield area where Teboho Mokoena has been a mainstay. The league leaders, who sit first in the Premier Soccer League with 23 points from nine games, are always looking to strengthen their options.
Due to CAF registration rules requiring players to be registered at least 72 hours before a match, Maku was not eligible for the recent preliminary round second leg against Wiliete, which ended in a 0-0 draw on October 18. However, he will be fully available for the Champions League group stages, which run from November 2026 to January 2027.
His likely first opportunity for inclusion will be Sundowns' next domestic fixture, a home match against Durban City on November 1. Miguel Cardoso's side are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, a run that includes a 4-1 victory over Richards Bay. The club can register a maximum of 40 players for the season, and Maku's addition fits their strategy of building a deep squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. He will be registered in time for the Durban City clash as Sundowns look to maintain their one-point lead at the top of the standings.
The report in full is at soccerladuma.co.za
