With Manqoba Mngqithi gone, Neo Maema relishes playing under new Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso - 'I am just happy'

Mamelodi Sundowns secured a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon against Raja Casablanca, with Neo Maema starting the match under the guidance of new coach Miguel Cardoso.

Maema, previously a star with Bloemfontein Celtic, expressed his joy and gratitude for being given the chance to showcase his skills.

He emphasized the importance of believing in the coach's philosophy and the need for quick adaptation to new strategies.

"I am just happy for the opportunity I was given [by coach Cardoso] and with the support of the guys I did my best,” said Maema as reported by Sowetan.

"For the players, it is more about believing in the coach’s plan. There are a few different things they do when it comes to preparation, and we have to grasp it as quickly as possible so we can apply it in the game.

"It is going to be a change of mindset, but we never change how we approach our games because we want to win every match. We know the league is a marathon, and we are going to take every game as it comes," he added.

"We played well against Raja, and the most important thing was not conceding. There were a few mistakes here and there, but those are things we can correct going forward.

"We needed to do well in that match against Raja because we come from a period where we lacked consistency. Going forward, we are going to strive to be consistent so that we end the year on top of the table."

Maema, at 29 years old, has made ten league appearances this season and scored once.

After limited game time in Sundowns’ star-studded midfield, the opportunity to play against a tough opponent like Raja Casablanca was a confidence booster.

Maema's desire for consistency reflects his ambition to contribute more significantly in upcoming matches.

With the introduction of coach Miguel Cardoso, Maema will be looking to further solidify his place in the team.

Sundowns will aim to carry forward their strong league form and remain dominant both locally and on the continental stage.

Sundowns are set to take on Stellenbosch FC in their next league clash on Wednesday.

A win in this game would further stretch their lead at the top of the table, giving them more breathing room ahead of their nearest competitors.

With the focus on maintaining their dominant position, Sundowns will be eager to build on their solid defensive record and create more goal-scoring opportunities.

Stellenbosch, known for their attacking flair, will pose a challenge, but Sundowns’ depth and experience could prove decisive.

The team’s immediate goal is to finish the year on a strong note, reinforcing their claim as league favorites.