Neo Maema sets record straight on Mamelodi Sundowns game time

Maema’s game time was reduced this season, with most of his appearances coming from the bench, as Downs won the inaugural African Football League, reached the CAF Champions League semis, and retained their DStv Premiership title.

The player admits he just couldn’t consistently break into the starting line-up. 

"When you come to a big club, you get into a competitive space, and this is mainly the situation you find yourself in when you come to a big team," defended Maema.

"But these situations make you strong – not as a footballer but as a man, and we are growing, so I've taken it as it comes."

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Maema also set the record straight on claims he and coach Mokwena had a fallout during the season, which led to his reduced game-time.

"I know there was a lot of speculation of what was the reason [for a rift] between myself and the coach – nothing was going," he insisted.

"It was just me trying to make sure that I compete, and I was off form – it wasn't a secret, and I've been trying to get myself slowly back to my performance of old."

The former Bloemfontein Celtic player adds he’s been supportive of those playing ahead of him, as Sundowns still look to add the Nedbank Cup to their trophy cabinet when they face Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday. 

"Credit must go to the players that have been performing, I've been supporting them and I've been a very good teammate – this is what happens at a big club," he added.

"Season-in and season-out, you won't get to be as happy with your performances, obviously you're going to have some bad days, but it doesn't mean I'm a bad player."