Having missed much of last season, where he still featured in a decent amount of matches when available, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema's future is now in question.
His agent Vasili Barbis points out that Maema will stay at the Brazilians to fight for his place despite the challenges he is facing.
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Insiders close to the club discussed Maema's chances of playing regularly this season, looking at the possibility of either getting loaned out or released at some point in future.
"You know every player wants to be playing regularly, mainly when they are used to that. So since the start of the season he has played only two games, one in the MTN8 and one in the league against Royal AM. He can get at least a loan and get more game time," the Siya source stated.
A second insider stated that the former Bafana Bafana player wants to perform regularly as he is eyeing the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next year.
"It's not just about playing regularly. He is also thinking about the national team selection. You know he is only 28-years-old and can still play for the national team and that's what he is fighting for and wants to be part of the national team at Afcon next year," the second source stated.
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Soccer Laduma contacted Maema's agent to discuss the situation, but Barbis said that his client understands there is quality at Sundowns and that he will fight for his place.
"You know he has just come back from injury and he knows that there is quality at Sundowns. He is ready to fight for his place and he wants to be part of the Club World Cup in America next year. That's the situation right now," Barbis told the Siya crew from his base in the United Kingdom.
As Maema navigates his future at Sundowns, his desire for regular game time and aspirations for national team selection are expected. Whether he stays to fight for his place or seeks opportunities elsewhere, fans will be keen to see how his career progresses in the coming months.
