Sundowns star Maema explains the importance of playing in different roles
Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Neo Maema has explained the urgency and importance of playing in different roles for the Chloorkop-based side.
Maema outlined the significance of being versatile in a pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday afternoon’s [15:30] sold out MTN8 semi-final first leg affair against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium.
The Brazilians cruised their way into the last four after defeating cross-town rivals SuperSport United 2-0 in the quarterfinals a month ago.
MAEMA EXPLAINS…
“As a footballer you have to adapt, be versatile and you also need to explore in other positions,” said the 26-year-old footballer.
“It wasn’t easy for me during the pre-season, I had to get used to it and the most important thing in that position is how the team performs and it’s not more about me.
“I had to adapt as quickly as possible because at Sundowns we have a lot of players and if I’m given the chance to play there then I have to do my best.”
The Free State-born man went reveal his excitement on how he has taken the opportunity to play in various positions in attack to his advantage.
Reflecting to the mouthwatering showpiece itself, the talented player added: “This one is going to be a great duel and it’s going to be a difficult match.
“But at Sundowns we are used to big matches and the one thing that we should always do is to stick to our goals and to make sure that we retain the title.
“There’s a culture at Sundowns that we want to win every football match and I don’t think the first leg or second leg is in question when it comes to the team performance.
“We are not getting into the head about the two fixtures, we just want to win both.”
Bafana Ba Style has good record over the Soweto giants where they have walked victorious in their last two home matches 4-1 in their favour, and netted a whipping 13 goals in their last four games.
The return leg will be played three weeks later at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.