Miguel Cardoso’s Heartfelt Comment About Sundowns’ New Signing ‘Let the Boy Have Time to Settle with Sundowns’

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has called for patience with new signing Lazola Maku. The Portuguese coach said the young midfielder needs time to settle at Chloorkop before he can fight for a regular place in the team.

Speaking after Maku joined the club, Cardoso said: “Let the boy have the time to settle down and feel comfortable amongst us, to understand what we want from him.” His words make it clear that the 19-year-old will not be rushed into the first team.

Maku arrived on a free transfer after his contract with Siwelele ended at the end of last season. The Cape Town-born midfielder is seen as one of the most promising young players in the country. He captained South Africa’s Under-20 side, Amajita, to the COSAFA Cup title in Mozambique. He also played every minute as the team won the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations and later featured at the World Cup.

Sundowns confirmed the signing earlier this week. The club views him as a long-term prospect who can grow into the system. At the moment, the Brazilians already have a strong midfield that includes experienced players such as Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende and others. This means Maku will have to work hard to earn his chance.

Sources at the club have indicated that the youngster is likely to start in the DStv Diski Challenge side. This will allow him to adapt to the training methods and the way the team plays under Cardoso. The coach’s message supports this careful approach. He wants Maku to feel part of the group first and understand the demands at a club that has already won the MTN8 and continues to compete at the highest level.

Maku has spoken about his desire to make his family proud. Raised by his mother and grandmother, he has carried their support throughout his career. After months as a free agent and trials with clubs in Austria, joining the African champions is a major step for him.

Cardoso’s call for patience shows that Sundowns are thinking carefully about the player’s development. The focus right now is on giving the boy time to settle, learn and become comfortable. Once he does that, he can begin to push for a place in the first team and show what he can bring to Chloorkop.

Source: https://x.com/iDiskiTimes/status/2112926885550166447