Maema: Sundowns come first than personal ambitions

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba is trying his level best in managing his squad, rotating most of his players to give everyone a chance to contribute. Neo Maema is one of the players who've been sparingly used in the squad. - www.iol.co.za

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Neo Maema concedes that the rotation system at Mamelodi Sundowns is tough, but in the same breath, he understands that the club's mission is bigger than individual ambitions. Sundowns are the team to beat in local football. They've dominated the local league for the past seven years, achieving an improbable feat in the country.

There've been structural changes within the clu this season, with Manqoba Mngqithi ascending to the head coaching position, replacing Rulani Mokwena. Mngqithi's top mandates seems to be clear: defend the league and win the Caf Champions League for the first time in nine years. Those aspirations have started off well as Sundowns are just three points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership and will start the Champions League group stage later this month.



However, the club is not only limited to just winning the two competitions. They must still do well across the board, including the domestic cup competitions. They started that feat on a low note, missing out on the MTN8 after losing home and away in the semi-final to Stellenbosch.

However,...

Mihlali Baleka.