Neo Maema opens up on his lack of game time at Mamelodi Sundowns

Published on by Joel Oliver

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is not feeling disappointed with his lack of gametime despite making just one appearance this season.

Maema last played in Sundowns’ first match of the season, the MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City on August 11, when he played for 48 minutes.

Since then, he has not played for Masandawana in their seven subsequent matches but despite his lack of playing time, he is not feeling disappointed.  

“We are pushing each other and whoever plays we support him because at the end of the day, I want to believe that whoever is playing needs the support of those who are not playing,” said Maema.

The midfielder has turned into a bit-part player

“We cannot play at the same time, whoever is playing needs to make sure that he keeps consistency in performances and makes sure that he helps the team.”

Maema has fallen down the pecking order at Sundowns with coach Manqoba Mngqithi preferring Marcelo Allende, Rivaldo Coetzee, Lebohang Maboe and Teboho Mokoena ahead of him.

However, the midfielder believes the competition for places is a good thing for the team and feeling disappointed would erode the camaraderie within the squad.

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Why is Maema still positive despite limited opportunities?

“When it comes to Sundowns, the number of players that we have is so interesting to a point of there are a lot of things that you want to look at the different midfielders. We give different things to the club and it is up to the coach to choose who he chooses,” he added.

“I cannot be standing here saying that I want to be chosen every time when the other one is not playing so it is a little bit of brotherhood also in the team and squad but the competition is definitely there. I am glad we push each other to make sure the team’s performance is up there.”

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.