Cardoso issues warning over Sundowns’ new teenage signing
Miguel Cardoso has a message for Sundowns fans: give Lazola Maku time.
The 19-year-old midfielder was unveiled by the Brazilians on Tuesday after leaving Siwelele FC at the end of last season, and the expectation has already started to build.
Cardoso wants it dialled down. Speaking at the media conference at Chloorkop on Wednesday, the Sundowns coach made it clear that a place in the starting lineup will not come automatically.
He pointed out that even the late Jayden Adams struggled to impose himself when he first arrived at the club.
“It’s not easy for a player to come at Sundowns and create a space automatically,” Cardoso said. “So don’t put pressure on the boy, let him settle, he just arrived.”
The coach insists the patience is not a lack of faith. Maku has already looked comfortable among his new teammates, and Cardoso says the club fully recognises his quality.
“It doesn’t mean we don’t trust him, it doesn’t mean we don’t recognise the quality because we do,” he said. “But let the boy have time to settle and feel comfortable and understand what we want from him.”
