Neo Maema’s message to Sundowns’ doubters

Mamelodi Sundowns star Neo Maema has sent a message to the club’s doubters, who claim the DStv Premiership defending champions are not yet the force they were last season.

Golden Arrows coach Vusi Vilakazi was the latest to say the Brazilians are less potent than last term. 

This was despite watching his charges get a 4-0 hammering from the Tshwane giants at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

NEO MAEMA REVEALS SUNDOWNS APPROACH

It was their fourth game of the season, and they have won all four. They started with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Sekhukhune United. Their next assignment was another 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs before a narrow 1-0 win over Moroka Swallows. 

The Arrows’ result was their most emphatic so far. Ahead of their tie against Chippa United on Saturday, Maema has responded to their doubters. 

“It’s very important for us to focus on our goals,” Maema told Sundowns’ media. “There’s stuff happening at the beginning of the season when we start. We’re getting closer together. 

“The coach told us it’s never going to be easy this season. The people are going to talk, and we should stick together as a team and make sure we focus on our plans and our goals. 

“That’s winning every match. We know everyone wants to beat us.”

He added that besides getting goals, they were looking to keep clean sheets at the back. They have kept two so far, only conceding two goals in four matches.

Maema warns that the Chippa tie at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday [8pm] will be tricky.

“Playing Chippa United is always a difficult match, especially in their own backyard. 

“We’re expecting a very difficult, intense match, a counter-attacking team who are very quick on the sides.”

The 27-year-old midfielder is aware the Chilli Boys are “motivated after draws against Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs”. 

They held Chiefs to a goalless draw and came back from behind to draw against Pirates on Tuesday. 

“I think their wingers are very quick on the counter-attack. I think that’s their main strength.”

He picks new signings Luvuyo Memela and Augustine Mulenga as players to watch in Coach Morgan Mammila’s team.

“Our goal is to get the three points and work hard as a team. Stay together and guard against whatever they will pose,” he concluded.

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