Lazola Maku receives hero’s welcome at Noordwyk Secondary School
The Noordwyk Secondary School grounds roared to resounding cheers and jubilation when Lazola was driven through a guard of honour.
Midfield sensation Lazola Maku left South Africa as an ordinary player with big dreams and ambitions.
And the Noordwyk footballer returned to his home soil as a continental champion.
He was welcomed as a hero by his peers and teachers at the Noordwyk Secondary School grounds on May 22. The school ground was packed to the rafters as Lazola was driven through a guard of honour to the resounding cheers of his proud schoolmates.
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One of his dreams was to guide South Africa’s U20 team, also known as Amajita, to the World Cup to be held later this year in Chile. But for Lazola, (17) another dream came true when Amajita was crowned Africa Cup of Nations U20 champions in Egypt.
Lazola played a pivotal role, supplemented by a man-of-the-match performance against Zambia during the tournament.
Speaking to the publication on his return, he said, “Collectively, it was a blessing. I am happy with how I played. I was voted into the best XI at the tournament. And I think the core of the group played their hearts out to ensure that we went all the way to win the tournament. It’s an honour.
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“Competing internationally, one challenge we faced was physical players who were big in stature. The challenge I encountered was playing against these types of players, but we resorted to our philosophy. We resorted to two-touch football and moving into space to try to avoid as much contact as possible with them.”
Lazola’s school coach Afika Ndlazi said they were excited about his return. “He is a special player because he has always been way above his peers. Not because now he is our icon, but because discipline and respect make him special. Even when he speaks, he is always respectful and disciplined,” added Ndlazi.
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Lazola’s class teacher said he was provided with all the study material to ensure he prepared for his upcoming exams.
“He’s shy, respectful and very disciplined. And in class, he is also performing well. As a class, we were very happy and we kept on supporting him. We are proud, and as a school, he did put us on a map,” concluded the teacher.
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