Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Neo Maema has spoken about his teammates who were left behind as the club flew out to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The Brazilians travelled on Sunday ahead of the preparations for the global prestigious tournament.
Masandawana will kick off their tournament campaign with an intriguing opening fixture against Ulsan HD on Tuesday, June 17th.
This crucial match will take place at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, setting the tone for their performance in the group.
Following this, they will face their biggest test in the group stage, going head-to-head with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 21st, at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati.
Their final group stage encounter will see them take on Fluminense on Wednesday, June 25th, at the iconic Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, a match that could prove decisive for their progression in the tournament.
‘THEY ARE MY BROTHERS’
“It is another adventure and a new experience, and we are playing against the best clubs around the world,” said Maema as quoted by KickOff.com
“I always knew that I would make the squad. It is not being arrogant.
“I feel like this is the work of players that were here two years ago when we qualified for the Club World Cup because that is when we qualified.
“When you are still at the team, you deserve to eat the fruits of the work that you have put in.
“With making the squad, I’m happy and obviously disappointed for the ones that didn’t make it.
“But then this is competition, and this is a big club. I feel for them because they are my brothers.
“I’m not going to mention anything about my future at the club because I’m still a Sundowns player.”
