It is full circle for Maku, who gained Springbok colours and won the Vodacom Super Rugby title as a Vodacom Bulls player before leaving for what was supposed to be greener pastures. A stint with the MTN Golden Lions did produce an Absa Currie Cup title, but both Super Rugby contributions for the MTN Lions and Southern Kings ended in tears and relegation.
Now a senior player with much to prove to his team, Maku will be keen to get back to the form that earned him national colours in 2010. His leadership and experience could be telling factors in determining the success of the Vodacom Bulls pack in 2014.