Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Neo Maema has drawn comparisons between football they were playing under Rulani Mokwena and their current game approach under Manqoba Manqoba.
Maema was speaking during the Carling Knockout Cup launch that was held in Sandton on Tuesday.
While he initially refrained from making direct comparisons between the two coaches, he noted that the team is now playing at a quicker pace than in the previous season, underscoring the adjustments that Mngqithi has publicly discussed.
MAEMA ON HOW MNGQITHI’S GAME APPROACH DIFFERS FROM RULANI’S
“I wouldn't like to compare coach Rulani (Mokwena) to coach Manqoba (Mngqithi)
because last season they were working together and they have been working together for some time at the club,” said Maema.
“But you know, as coach Manqoba has on numerous occasions told the media, that we are playing a much faster game and you can see that by the recruitment of speedy players like Iqraam Rayners.
“Those are the kinds of players who determine what game we are playing under coach Manqoba but I can't compare the two coaches.”
Maema maintains that his season has not begun poorly for him, despite having made only a single appearance thus far.
He attributes his limited playing time to various injuries he has experienced.
MAEMA ON HIS INDIVIDUAL POOR START TO THE START
“For me it's not about a good start, bad start. For me it has not been a good start,” he added.
“I got a lot of injuries you know at the start of the season. It's normal for a player to get injured if you are not getting enough game time or expectations from yourself from last season.
“This season I started on the back foot but the season has just started so l don't want to get ahead of myself.”
