Former Bafana Bafana star advises Orlando Pirates to sign Mamelodi Sundowns' Neo Maema - 'They can reach Caf Champions League final'

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict Vilakazi has proposed that Mamelodi Sundowns star Neo Maema should join Bucs, believing he can help the team reach the Caf Champions League final. 

Maema hasn't been a regular starter for the Tshwane giants since last season, leading to rumours suggesting a potential departure from the club. Nevertheless, he now seems to be finding his feet under Manqoba Mngqithi this season. 

Despite that, Vilakazi has suggested that Pirates should sign Maema, as he firmly believes that he can improve further under Riveiro and contribute to the club's performance in the Champions League.

“I love this boy (Neo Maema) and when I look at the black and white colours, I see him playing with Patrick Maswanganyi attacking just in front of the defensive midfielder,” Tso said, per iDiski Times.

“I think the football that Pirates are playing they also need a player like him so that they can balance the sides. If you’ve got Tito on the middle-right, middle-left you get Maema, on the left-wing you have (Relebohile) Mofokeng and on the right-wing you get (Mohau) Nkota.

“If you have these guys, I’m telling you this team can go to the final of the Champions League because they will also be good for Evidence Makgopa who is scoring,” he added.

“By having these two behind him will also limit Makgopa from making runs outside the box. He will stay central because these two are good with the ball, they are good readers of the ball, and they can create chances for Makgopa. The plus with Maema is that he can also score.”

Maema, who became part of Sundowns three years back, could bring with him extensive expertise in the Caf Champions League, considering Masandawana's consistent deep runs into the knockout stages of the tournament.

This season, Pirates have advanced to the group stages of Africa's premium club competition after the embarrassment of falling in the preliminaries last season.

However, with the Bucs unbeaten start to the PSL season and one trophy in the bag already, they look primed to put on a strong showing against the top African teams in the Champions League.

It is unlikely that Vilakazi's desire will happen as Maema has over 100 appearances and 27 goal involvements (13 goals, 14 assists) in his time at Sundowns, and now looks to be set to play a significant role under the new coaching staff led by Mngqithi.

Pirates are set to kick off their journey in the Caf Champions League group stage when they face Khanyisa Mayo's CR Belouizdad on Tuesday, November 26.