Mamelodi Sundowns have officially confirmed the signing of highly rated midfielder Lazola Maku, ending weeks of speculation over the teenager’s future.
The Brazilians announced the arrival of the 19-year-old on Tuesday, 20 October, with Maku joining the club as a free agent after leaving Siwelele FC at the end of last season.
The signing comes after Maku reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Austria, where he underwent trials with SV Ried, FC Wacker Innsbruck and Rapid Vienna. He has now secured a move to one of South Africa’s biggest clubs as he looks to establish himself in senior football.
Maku arrives with winning experience
Maku joins Sundowns after captaining South Africa’s Under-20 national team, Amajita, to victory at the 2026 COSAFA Under-20 Championship in Mozambique.
The midfielder was also part of the Amajita squad that won the 2025 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Egypt and represented South Africa at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Chile later that year.
His performances at youth international level have strengthened his reputation as one of the country's promising young midfielders.
From Siwelele to Chloorkop
Maku previously came through Ubuntu Football Academy before progressing through the ranks at SuperSport United. He later featured for Siwelele, making five senior-team appearances before leaving the club when his contract expired.
At Sundowns, he will face stiff competition for minutes in a squad packed with established midfielders. The move nevertheless gives the youngster an opportunity to develop under coach Miguel Cardoso and compete for silverware.
For Sundowns, securing Maku’s signature is an investment in the future as the club continues to recruit emerging South African talent.
The next challenge for the Amajita captain will be turning his international success into regular first-team football at Chloorkop.
