- Mamelodi Sundowns are closing in on the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Lazola Maku on a free transfer
- Maku captained South Africa's Amajita at the Under-20 AFCON in Egypt, earning a place in the tournament's Best XI
- The Cape Town-born player has been without a club since leaving Siwelele FC at the end of last season
Mamelodi Sundowns are on the verge of signing South Africa Under-20 captain Lazola Maku, according to SABC Sport journalist Mazola Molefe, who reported that the CAF Champions League holders are expected to bring the midfielder in on a free transfer.
The 19-year-old has been unattached since departing Siwelele FC at the end of last season. Maku undertook a trial in Austria in September, but it now appears that the MTN8 champions are positioned to secure his services.
"Following an apparently successful trial in Austria, South Africa U20 captain Lazola Maku is closing in on a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, with the newly crowned MTN8 champions expected to sign the midfielder on a free transfer," Molefe reported.
**Maku's Rise From Masiphumelele to Sundowns**
Maku grew up in Masiphumelele, a township in Cape Town's Hout Bay, and took his first steps in football at the Ubuntu Football Academy before attracting attention from SuperSport United. He went on to gain experience in the DStv Diski Challenge before making his senior bow at Siwelele FC, where he featured in league matches and showcased his range of passing and ability to operate as both a defensive midfielder and a deep-lying playmaker.
At international level, Maku has captained the South African Under-20 side, Amajita, having previously led the national Under-16 team. He played every minute of South Africa's victorious campaign at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, helping anchor the midfield throughout and earning a place in the tournament's Best XI.
**International Pedigree Ahead of Sundowns Move**
Beyond the continental triumph, Maku has represented South Africa at the COSAFA Under-20 Championship, where the team lifted the title most recently, and has also competed at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, adding significant international experience to his profile at just 19 years of age.
Should the transfer be confirmed, Maku would join one of the continent's most decorated clubs and enter a highly competitive squad environment at Chloorkop.
Source: Briefly News
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