Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso speaks on Neo Maema’s continued struggles for game time

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Neo Maema, whose game time at Kabo Yellow has been a topic of discussion. The 29-year-old playmaker’s last start dates back to December 2024, raising questions about his role within the squad.

For Cardoso, the message is clear: at a club like Sundowns, opportunities must be seized with both hands. “It’s very important when you have an opportunity to play at Sundowns, you grab it with everything you’ve got,” he shared via FARPost. “With so many players vying for spots, if you miss your chance, someone else will step up, and regaining rhythm becomes increasingly difficult.”

Reflecting on Maema’s case, Cardoso offered a balanced perspective. “Neo is a player with undeniable qualities, and we have tremendous faith in him. When I arrived, he was in the starting XI for our first game against Raja Casablanca—that shows the trust we have in him,” the coach remarked. However, recent months have seen Maema’s presence on the field diminish, a situation that the Sundowns mentor acknowledged has been challenging for the player. Despite this, Cardoso highlighted Maema’s recent standout performance with the national team as a positive turning point.

“It’s not a matter of quality,” Cardoso emphasized. “Neo has it in abundance—it’s about showcasing that quality consistently. I’m confident we’ll benefit from the energy and excitement he gained from his time with the national squad.”

While Maema works to re-establish himself in the Sundowns lineup, the reigning champions shift their focus to their upcoming clash against Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium this Sunday at 15:30. It’s a high-stakes encounter, and the Brazilians will be looking to assert their dominance as the season heats up. Fans will be watching closely to see if Maema can write his own redemption story in the games to come.