Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema, who missed much of last season due to injury, is now facing uncertainty over his future at the club. Despite his desire to stay and fight for his place in the squad, questions have arisen about his long-term prospects, especially with limited game time this season.
Maema’s agent, Vasili Barbis, has confirmed that the 28-year-old midfielder is committed to the club despite the challenges he faces.
Maema has featured in only two games so far this season—one in the MTN8 and the other in a league match against Royal AM.
This has sparked speculation about whether the former Bafana Bafana player might be loaned out or even released to secure more consistent playing time.
Another insider emphasized that Maema’s ambitions go beyond just playing regularly at club level. The midfielder is also eyeing a potential call-up to the South African national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco next year.
With the tournament on the horizon, Maema is eager to secure consistent game time to boost his chances of national team selection.
"It's not just about playing regularly. He is also thinking about the national team selection," the second insider said. "He is only 28 years old and still has time to play for Bafana Bafana. That's what he is fighting for—he wants to be part of the team at AFCON next year."
However, Barbis was quick to dismiss the idea of Maema leaving Sundowns in the immediate future.
He pointed out that his client is aware of the competition for places at the club but remains determined to earn his spot in the squad, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States looming next year.
"Neo knows there is quality at Sundowns, and he is ready to fight for his place," Barbis told Soccer Laduma. "He wants to be part of the Club World Cup in America next year, and that’s the situation right now."
As Maema works to regain his form after injury and prove his worth to the Sundowns coaching staff, fans will be watching closely to see how the midfielder’s situation unfolds in the coming months.
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