Neo Maema has been a key component in attack for Mamelodi Sundowns, but head coach Rulani Mokwena has to make a call on who will come in as a replacement for the influential midfielder for the CAF Champions League second leg semi-final against Wydad Casablanca.
Maema has been a regular feature in the starting line-up for Sundowns in the Champions League, taking his game to another level in the competition. He has started eight of the 11 matches Sundowns have played in the competition this season, coming on as a substitute on two occasions. The only match he missed was the opening match of the campaign against La Passe FC.
Following his sending off in the first leg semi-final against Wydad in Casablanca on Saturday, Soccer Laduma looks at who could come in to replace Maema.
Cassius Mailula
Having Mailula in the starting line-up would mean Sundowns would have to make a few changes, with Themba Zwane probably dropping into the role that Maema would usually occupy. Mailula would then play upfront with Peter Shalulile to make Sundowns an even bigger threat in the final third.
Gaston Sirino
Not quite the same as Maema in terms of playing style, but Sirino does give Sundowns an option in attack. He got to start against Maritzburg United last night and will be hoping he has done enough to convince the technical team that he has to start this weekend. The South American has been in and out of the team
Sphelele Mkhulise
The man known as 'Blesser' has shown he can deliver on the big stage in the Champions League and Mokwena would certainly not be afraid to give him a start in this weekend's crucial tie against Wydad. Mkhulise got some minutes when he came on in the second half against Maritzburg and would no doubt be ready to raise his hand should Mokwena need a soldier to get the job done against the defending African champions. His numbers in terms of goals and assists are usually questioned, but Mkhulise remains a threat in the opposition half due to his ability to pick a pass that can open up opposition defences.
Surprise Ralani
He has not had many opportunities in the Champions League this season, and that could be a reason he does not get to play from the start. Nonetheless, Ralani's quality cannot be denied and he showed that in the way he sublimely found the back of the net in last night's 1-1 draw with Maritzburg United. It's a performance that might get Mokwena thinking if he should include him from the start.
Open a tab account, it's easy and start betting on local and international soccer now! Mamelodi Sundowns vs Wydad Casablanca Soccer10 – (S10 V3), pool closes at15:00 20 May 2023. There's a R250,000 cash boost from TAB with a likely pool of R2 MILLION!
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
