Neo Maema was on a different level this season, playing in a new role that saw him becoming one of the most important figures in the Mamelodi Sundowns attack. He kept on getting better in the role and his performances were so good that many supporters asked why he has not been included in Hugo Broos' latest Bafana Bafana squad. The 27-year-old played an important role in the club's league campaign but could do little to help the team reach the CAF Champions League final, as he had to watch the second leg semi-final clash against Wydad Casablanca from the sidelines after picking up a red card in the first leg away from home. In this interview, the former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder shares with Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane the pain of watching that important match from the sidelines and why he does not consider this past season a failure from a team and individual perspective.
Tshepang Mailwane: Neo, thanks for making time to chat to Soccer Laduma. Let's start by talking about Mamelodi Sundowns' CAF Champions League exit. What was it like having to watch the second leg semi-final clash against Wydad Casablanca, knowing that there was no way you could help your teammates on the pitch that day?
Neo Maema: Firstly, it was emotional, but I knew I had the responsibility to first make sure that I support the team and make sure that they felt good going into the game. It was merely a mistake (red card offence), but it was very emotional. It's a semi-final and everybody wants to play in a semi-final, but to watch it from the sidelines was very emotional for me. But I trust the guys.
TM: Was the red card you got in the first leg the first of your career?
NM: As far as I can remember, that was my first red card. Because it was such an important game, the semi-final of the Champions League, it was a bit reckless from me. It was a mistake, and you learn from your mistakes. I took it as a learning curve and I will make sure that next time, when I find myself in such a situation, I take the best decision. My father is the closest person to me and he made sure that I was allowed to feel it (the pain) because I put my team in a difficult situation. To play 45 minutes with 10 men, away from home in those conditions, is not always easy. My father is always there for me, and my mother is so supportive. Those are the people who are close to me. On a personal level, they have been supporting me and they make sure I look forward all the time.
TM: Just paint a picture of what the Downs dressing room was like after the Champions League exit. What did coach Rhulani Mokwena say to the team and what did players say to each other?
NM: It was very quiet, you know. The leaders of the team came to encourage us. We were crying. Some of the players were crying, like Cassius (Mailula). "Mshishi" (Themba Zwane) was crying. We were all just basically heartbroken because we were close. We had a bit of an advantage playing at home, but it was not meant to be and that's football. We learn and we will make sure that we do better next time.
TM: Why is it that the team usually does so well in the group stage of the competition, yet can't go all the way in the knockout phase?
NM: I don't know if I should say 'no comment' or if I should say the coaches should answer you. When we play a lot of games, you get to that point of the season where the legs get a bit heavy, but that's why we have the depth. I don't have an excuse actually, but I think it might be the legs. But we have the responsibility to win this thing and next season we will go for it.
TM: What challenges have you faced playing away from home in the Champions League?
NM: It's very difficult. Something (that) I think frustrates everybody at the club is they always make sure that we wait so long at the airport. I think it's about the mind games. You know, it happens in football. They say when you go out there, it's not home. That's exactly what they mean when you go to the different African countries.
TM: Compared to last season, when you won the treble, do you see this past campaign as a failure in any way for the Tshwane giants?
NM: For me, personally, the most important trophy we got is the DStv Premiership. I am happy about that. I am not happy that we didn't get the other two, but then it happens in football. And how we got knocked out of those competitions, it's just to reflect back, but I don't regard it as a failure. You know at Sundowns we want to win everything, so I would not be surprised if everyone else in the team is disappointed.
TM: Describe the season you had on a personal level, as you got more minutes and played a crucial role in the team.
NM: I played a different role this season. There are a lot of games that I played as an eight and the coach slowly introduced me to this position, especially from pre-season, making sure that I understand the role. Given the opportunity, I will always do the best of my ability because I like to be versatile and learn other positions. I make sure that I give my best for the team. This season, as you say, I got more minutes and I'd say it was a better season from last season. I think it was much better because I scored a bit more than last season, but I am not entirely happy for not reaching some of my goals, but then we continue to improve and we will go into next season making sure we are motivated and that we can do better.
TM: What has it been like adjusting to the new role that the coach has given you?
NM: Watching a lot of players who play in that role also helps. If you are open to being coached, I think it helps. I always want to be coached and I want to be coachable. I always want to know more. I am not satisfied with what I do and I always want to push for more. I want to be the best player in that position, although it was not familiar to me. I had not played in that position, but I tried to make sure that I gather enough information, especially (by) watching a lot of games.
TM: Who are some of the players you watch in that role?
NM: Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan… those are the players I watch closely. I also watch my teammates when they play. It might be in training or in games when I am not participating. I watch how they do it and how I can get better, you know, because we are not competing against each other. We are a team. So, whoever plays, I make sure that I learn one or two things from them.
TM: Your performances, however, have not convinced Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to include you in his squad. How do you feel about not being part of the latest national team squad to take on Morocco in the dead-rubber Afcon qualifier?
NM: I think Neo should do a little more. Neo should seek deeper into himself. If each of them in the 35-man (preliminary) squad can get a call-up, I think they deserve to be there. I can only support because it could be an answered prayer to one of the players in the team, so who am I fighting? Am I fighting God or man? I cannot fight God. It's an opportunity for everyone. I would love to represent the country one day, but I will wait for my time. It's God's timing. It's not in my hands.
TM: What more do you feel you need to do?
NM: I did a lot of introspection into how I play, and I thought maybe that's not how the national team plays. It's more about keeping my feet down and being consistent for my club and trying to keep the standard up. I am trying to be better than yesterday. That's how I see it, but I don't feel like the coaches did anything wrong. I will support those who play.
TM: Thank you so much for your time, Neo. Enjoy the off-season and we will see you again in the new campaign.
NM: Thank you.
NEO MAEMA FACT FILE
Date of birth: 1 December 1995
Nickname: Billy Ocean
Position: Midfielder
Jersey number: 35
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns
Previous clubs: Bloemfontein Celtic
Honours: 2021 MTN8 winner, 2021/22 DStv Premiership winner, 2022 Nedbank Cup winner, 2022/23 DStv Premiership winner (all with Sundowns)
Would Sundowns have made the final with Maema playing the second leg against Wydad?
