Neo Maema Image Source: (@Masandawana/Twitter)

Neo Maema Image Source: (@Masandawana/Twitter)

Maema talks Sundowns failure to win CAF Champions League title

Mamelodi Sundowns creative midfielder Neo Maema is still hurt as they failed to win the CAF Champions League title

Neo Maema Image Source: (@Masandawana/Twitter)

Neo Maema Image Source: (@Masandawana/Twitter)

As many football pundits and fans thought Mamelodi Sundowns were heading to the final of the CAF Champions League, midfielder Neo Maema is still hurt by their loss.

Maema was shown a red card against Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of the semi-final in Morocco as Sundowns played to a goalless affair.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic star and Marcelo Allende had to watch the second leg from the sidelines in Tshwane – Maema admits that the marching orders dented their title hopes.

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MAEMA ON SUNDOWNS CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LOSS

Having proven himself to be key for the DStv Premiership champions, Sundowns, Maema said it hurts because that was his first career red card.

Without Maema, coach Rulani Mokwena and his Sundowns troops drew the second leg via a 2-2 scoreline at home – but that was not enough for them to progress to the final.

“If I can remember, I never got a red card before that game against Wydad,” Maema said. 

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“To get the red card at that stage of the season and in a big game was disappointing for me because I could have done better. I watched it again and I felt I put my team in a difficult position because they had to play 45 minutes with 10 men. 

“I apologised to my teammates, coaches, and everyone. It is in the past but I also know it had a huge effect on the result.” 

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SUNDOWNS COACH MOKWENA PRAISES MOKOENA

Fresh from claiming prestigious accolades at the end-of-the-season awards ceremony last weekend, coach Mokwena heaped praise on the hard-working Teboho Mokoena.

The former SuperSport United anchorman walked away with the Midfielder of the Season Award and his proud mentor has some good things to say about his efforts.

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“Tebza, as compared to Ronza (Williams), you can’t compare the two on the same matrix because their contributions are completely different – we must understand that,” said Mokwena.

“The influence of the Footballer of the Season goes beyond goals and assists because it’s an influence that must go into a space where you look at different dynamics, matrix, and measurements.

“So Tebza, in my opinion, deserves the praise and the accolades he is receiving. So, a big congratulations to him (for all that he’s achieved throughout the season).”

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