logo
Maema: I earned my place in Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup squad

Maema: I earned my place in Mamelodi Sundowns' Club World Cup squad

IOL News2 days ago

Neo Maema departed for the Fifa Club World Cup on Sunday with Mamelodi Sundowns. Photo: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Neo Maema believes he had long earned his ticket to the Fifa Club World Cup — hence he never doubted he would make Mamelodi Sundowns' final squad.
Sundowns jetted off to Florida, US, on Sunday to begin their preparations for the global showpiece. Maema, sporting a short blonde hairstyle, was in high spirits at OR Tambo International, even vlogging for the club's social media platform, Mamelodi Sundowns TV.
The 29-year-old's outlook was refreshing, given that he has been a bystander for the team this season, featuring in only 17 of 54 matches across all competitions. Despite his limited game-time, Maema had shone for the Brazilians in the previous two seasons, contributing significantly to their success both domestically and continentally.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
As such, when coach Miguel Cardoso announced his final squad for the tournament, Maema had no doubts about securing his place.
'I always knew that I'd make the squad. It's not arrogance — I just feel this is the reward for the work done by the players who were here two years ago,' the Sundowns attacker said.
'We qualified for the Club World Cup two seasons ago, I think. So, when you're still in the team, you just have to eat the fruit of the work you've put in. So, I am happy.
'I am disappointed for the ones who didn't make it, but that's the nature of the competition. It's a big club. I feel for them because they are my brothers.'
Maema's limited involvement this season has fuelled speculation about his future at Sundowns, but he remained tight-lipped on the matter on Sunday.
'I'm not going to say anything about my future at the club. I am still a Mamelodi Sundowns player,' Maema affirmed.
That moment between Kabelo Dlamini, Neo Maema and Tshegofatso Mabasa was special to witness 🤩
Watch until the end 👀#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/tNuZ0ewOpB — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) March 18, 2025
The Club World Cup will not only offer Maema a chance to buy himself more time at the club but also serve as an opportunity for Sundowns to seek some form of redemption.
Sundowns missed out on the CAF Champions League crown two weeks ago, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Pyramids of Egypt in the final. That result was a bitter blow for the Brazilians, who had hoped to be third-time lucky after semi-final exits in the previous two seasons.
'It's disappointing to get close to the door, but we kept on knocking and it didn't open,' Maema said of their failed continental campaign.
'We knew it was going to be very difficult to win away. We played against a good team… and when things don't go your way, you can't play your normal football.
'It's a pain in the heart, but we have to move on. We lost out twice in a row in the semi-finals, so we don't want that to happen again. We have to bounce back quickly.'
Sundowns have been drawn in Group F at the Club World Cup, alongside Ulsan Hyundai, Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense. They will open their campaign against Ulsan on Wednesday, 18 June.
The Brazilians are eager to perform well on the global stage — not just to redeem themselves but also to showcase their talent to scouts from overseas clubs.
'It's disappointing, but there's nothing we can do about it. We just have to accept it and, as men, help the youngsters in the team,' Maema said.
'We have to believe that someday we will win it, but for now, we must focus on the opportunity ahead and see it as a chance for everyone to showcase their talent.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sundowns without 12 stars for FIFA Club World Cup
Sundowns without 12 stars for FIFA Club World Cup

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Sundowns without 12 stars for FIFA Club World Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns have left behind 12 of their stars for the FIFA Club World Cup which gets underway on Friday. The Brazilians, known for their big squad, did not have space for the entire team, and had to make some tough decisions. They touched down the US on Tuesday, and the 26-man squad had their first training session on Wednesday. Sundowns will get the ball rolling on Wednesday, 18 June against South Korean outfit Ulsan. Kick-off is at 00:00 SA time. And the Tshwane giants will face German giants Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, 21 June at 18:00 SA time. Sundowns' final Group F match will be against Brazil's Fluminense on Wednesday, 25 June. Kick-off is at 21:00 SA time. Mamelodi Sundowns feature in a special video in the iconic Times Square. Image: Supplied Jody February Sanele Tshabalala Asekho Tiwani (injured) Thapelo Maseko Terrence Mashego Matias Esquivel Lucas Suarez Kobamelo Kodisang Kegan Johannes Zuko Mdunyelwa Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi Siyanda Nyanga Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'
Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

Rulani: ‘I probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates'

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates coach Rulani Mokwena is home in Mzansi after leaving Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca. Naturally, the two-time Betway Premiership champion has been linked with Orlando Pirates, who are coachless after Jose Riveiro's departure to Al Ahly. While the Buccaneers are yet to name Riveiro's successor, Mokwena remains heavily linked with the Sea Robbers. Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns Speaking to Robert Marawa on 947, Mokwena was asked if he had gained relevant experience to return to coaching the Buccaneers. Mokwena said, 'When I coached Orlando Pirates, most of the feeling was that I had potential. There was a strong connotation from a family perspective. But now the connection is not so much from a family perspective. Rulani Mokwena and the Orlando Pirates chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza. Images: Sowetan 'Because I think the people feel that there is a lot of work that's been done from a coaching perspective. And now there's a strong feeling that, as a coach, I'm probably good enough to coach Orlando Pirates, and I'm grateful for that. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: New Bafana goalkeeper Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns
Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns

The South African

time3 hours ago

  • The South African

Percy Tau sends a message to Chiefs and Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs supporters have been imagining an exciting possibility. Percy Tau to Amakhosi or not? Upon leaving Al Ahly last season, Amakhosi were said to be targeting the 31-year-old, but he opted to join Qatar SC. Tau is a free agent again, all while Kaizer Chiefs are in the market for experienced attacking players. Find out what the former Sundowns ace has said about the prospect of going to Naturena. Kaizer Chiefs transfers: New Bafana goalkeeper Speaking on 947 on Wednesday, Tau said he is still emotionally connected to Sundowns but grew up supporting Amakhosi. He is therefore open to both possibilities. Percy Tau during his best season with Al Ahly in 2022/23. Images: King Fut 'If Sundowns were not to send me an offer and Chiefs do, then it is not my fault,' Tau said. The Witbank-born player said he would not rule out any team that sends him an offer, including clubs like Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC. New Kaizer Chiefs player signs until 2028 Honours Betway Premiership champion (X2) CAF Champions League winner (X3) Egyptian Super Cup winner (X4) Egyptian Cup winner (X2) Egyptian Premier League winner (X2) Belgian League winner Belgian Player of the Year CAF Interclub Player of the Year. Previous Clubs Sundowns reserves Witbank Spurs Sundowns Brighton & Hove Albion (England) Union SG (Belgium) Club Brugge (Belgium) Anderlecht (Belgium) Al Ahly (Egypt) Qatar SC (Qatar). Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store