Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has urged patience with new signing Lazola Maku, insisting the young midfielder will need time to settle at Chloorkop before fighting for a regular place in the team.
Maku completed a move to the Betway Premiership champions this week after arriving as a free agent, signing a long-term deal with Masandawana following his departure from Siwelele at the end of his contract in July.
- ALSO READ: Official: Sundowns Announce Signing Of Amajita Talent
- Cardoso Gives Update On Mokoena & Williams
The 19-year-old had explored opportunities abroad, undergoing trials at several clubs in Austria before returning to South Africa to captain the national U20 side to the COSAFA Cup title.
His performances at youth international level have further strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s promising midfield talents, earning him an opportunity to continue his development at Sundowns.
However, breaking into Cardoso’s star-studded squad will be another challenge, with the Portuguese tactician highlighting the level of competition Maku faces in midfield.
Cardoso pointed to Jayden Adams as an example of how even established young talents can require time to adapt to the demands and expectations at Chloorkop.
“It’s not easy to arrive at Sundowns and have a place automatically. Even Jayden had difficulties imposing himself immediately, so don’t put pressure on the boy, let him settle,” Cardoso said.
“He just arrived, but he’s been comfortable amongst us.”
‘We recognise the quality’
While Sundowns clearly believe in Maku’s potential, the coach stressed that the midfielder must be allowed to adjust to his new surroundings and understand the team’s tactical demands before expectations are placed on his shoulders.
“But there is a lot of competition there [in midfield]. He will have to prove a lot. Putting pressure on him or us doesn’t mean we don’t trust or recognise the quality, because we do, we trust and recognise the quality,” he added.
“But let the boy have the time to settle down and feel comfortable amongst us, to understand what we want from him.”
With Sundowns boasting several options in the middle of the park, Maku will have to earn his opportunities through performances on the training ground and when chances arrive in competitive matches.
Cardoso made it clear that the midfielder’s prospects of featuring regularly will ultimately depend on how he measures up against his teammates.
“There’s many players in his place. It will come from the fight that comes against the others, the possibility for him to play or not,” he concluded.
For Maku, the move represents a significant step in his career, offering an opportunity to develop alongside some of the country’s leading players while competing for silverware at one of Africa’s biggest clubs.