Lazola Maku has vowed to make his family proud after rising in his career, joining African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on a long-term deal on Tuesday morning.
The 19-year-old has established himself as one of the best upcoming midfielders in the country, helping the SA U20 team, Amajita, win the last Afcon in Egypt before leading them at the World Cup in Chile. He captained the side to the recent U20 Cosafa Championship title in Mozambique.
Maku arrives at Sundowns after months as a free agent following his departure from Siwelele at the end of last season. While his move to the Brazilians is a matter of being in the right place at the right time, he was reportedly not without other offers and had also set his sights on moving abroad.
However, Sundowns did not waste time in successfully luring him to Chloorkop, marking the biggest step of his career since being nurtured at the renowned SuperSport United academy.
Being part of not only the best team in the country over the last decade, but the reigning kings of the continent, delights Maku, but he is mostly focused on making his family prouder.
“I was raised by my mother and grandmother. They have made me the man that I am today,” Maku explained in a clip from his unveiling. “They taught me not to give up. My mother said: ‘Lazola, we are counting on you now.’ I have carried those words since.
“Everything that I do, I do for you. I also promise that I will make you proud of me. My name is Lazola Maku, and I am happy to be part of the team that keeps rising and going forward.”
At just 19, Maku still has his best days ahead of him. However, should he fast-track his adaptation, he could very well be part of coach Miguel Cardoso’s immediate plans, especially with Teboho Mokoena needing a strong backup.
The arrival of Maku also intensifies the club's mandate of recruiting youngsters who can elevate the team while potentially being allowed to move to greener pastures if offers come knocking. Maku’s U20 teammate Thato Sibiya recently moved to France on a loan deal that could become permanent.