Mamelodi Sundowns star Neo Maema has revealed the Soweto club he swore he would never play for during his football career.
In the DStv Premiership, there are three clubs that are based in Soweto. These are, namely, Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows.
Maema introduced himself in the PSL when he was playing for Bloemfontein Celtic. This was in the 2017/18 campaign when he made his breakthrough at the age of 22.
For his great and consistent performances on the field of play, the talented midfielder attracted interest from the Tshwane giants, Sundowns. The 28-year-old joined Masandawna ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Since his arrival at Chloorkop, Maema has been a key player in the midfield, playing in different positions. His main role is playing as an attacking midfielder. But heโs versatile, as he can be deployed in the central midfield and on the left wing, depending on the formation.
NEO MAEMA HAVE NEVER PICTURED HIMSELF PLAYING FOR ORLANDO PIRATES

Maema says from a young age when he was dreaming of playing professional football, he didnโt want to play for the Orlando Pirates.
โThe one team I didnโt want to go to was [Orlando] Pirates. That was from a young age. I donโt know whether itโs the spirit or what, but it doesnโt feel okay with me,โ Maema told PitchPodcast.
โThatโs one team that, even if I did see an opportunity to play for a big team, it was a team that I didnโt want to play for. I still have the same feeling to this day, that thing doesnโt go away.
“Now, Iโm fully invested in Mamelodi Sundowns. I donโt think of other teams. The tricky part, but not tricky, is that most of my family are Pirates fans.โ
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