Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Neo Maema has explained the real reason behind his lack of game in Masandawana colours this season.
Maema was speaking ahead of Saturday’s much-awaited Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates at Mbombela Stadium.
In this campaign, the 28-year-old footballer featured in 28 games for the Tshwane giants across all competitions. He scored one goal and contributed two assists.
In March this year, his mentor, Rulani Mokwena, had come forward to say Maema has “got a bit of struggle”, insisting that the ex-Bloemfontein Celtic man has to fight for his place in the starting eleven like everyone else in the team.
“Neo has got a bit of struggle. You have seen even with his performances are not so good. But he will come alright; of course, he has to wait for his turn. He’s a very good player, and we need him.”
And indeed, Maema seemed to have got his mojo back and fought his way back into the starting line-up under the tutelage of Mokwena.
THE REAL REASON WHY NEO MAEMA WASN’T PLAYING
The talented footballer has since cleared the air, citing that nothing was going on between him and Mokwena when he was put on the sidelines.
He went on to mention that he was just out of form and had to redeem himself to earn his place back into the team’s starting eleven.
“When you come to a big club, you get into a space of competitiveness and these are mainly situations that you find yourself when you come to a big team,” said Maema.
“But then, it is a situation that makes you strong, not as a footballer but as a man. Then we are growing. So, I took it as it came.
“I know there were lots of speculations about what might be the reason between coach Rulani and me. Nothing was going on. It was just me trying to make sure that I compete. I was out of form, and it wasn’t a secret.”
Maema continued, “I have been trying to get my form back to where it was. Also, credit needs to go to the players who have been performing, and I have been supporting them.
“I mean, season in and season out, you won’t get to be happy with your performances. Definitely, you are going to have some bad days, but it doesn’t mean I’m a bad player.”
The Nedbank Cup final showdown between the Buccaneers and the Brazilians will kick off at 15:00.
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