Cardoso asks for patience as Sundowns unveil teenager Lazola Maku

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has appealed for patience with Lazola Maku, the club’s newest recruit, according to iDiski Times. Cardoso says the teenager needs time to adjust to life at Chloorkop before anyone expects him to be a regular starter.

A free agent with youth pedigree

Maku, 19, joined the Betway Premiership champions this week on a long-term contract. He arrived as a free agent after leaving Siwelele when his contract there ran out in July.

Before settling on Sundowns, the midfielder looked at options overseas and had trials at a number of clubs in Austria. He then came home and captained South Africa’s under-20 team, who went on to win the COSAFA Cup. That run has added to his standing as a promising young player.

What Cardoso said

Cardoso made it clear that a place in his team will not be handed over automatically. He used Jayden Adams as an example, noting that even he struggled at first to establish himself at the club.

“Don’t put pressure on the boy, let him settle,” Cardoso said. He added that Maku “has been comfortable amongst us” since arriving.

The coach stressed that the call for patience is not a sign of doubt. He said the club trusts and recognises Maku’s quality, but wants him to have the time to feel at ease and to understand what the team expects of him.

Cardoso also acknowledged how crowded the midfield is at Sundowns. Maku, he said, will have to prove himself, and his chances of playing will come from competing against the other players in his position. In Cardoso’s words, “There’s many players in his place.”

What it means for supporters

Fans should not expect to see Maku in the starting line-up straight away. Based on Cardoso’s comments, his game time will depend on his work in training and how he uses any opportunities in competitive matches.

For Maku, the move offers a chance to continue his development at one of the biggest clubs on the continent, while competing for trophies with some of the best players in the country.

This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.