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Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has lifted the lid on Neo Maema's absence from PSL defending champions' recent games

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Maema is undoubtedly one of the most gifted players in the PSL, with his ability to use both his feet equally being a feather on his cap.But this season, Maema has seen very little action and that is because of the emergence of other players at the club.Maema has been playing second fiddle to the likes of Gaston Sirino and Sipho Mbule, among many other stars at the club. His mentor, Mokwena has revealed the reason why 'Billy' has not had much involvement this term.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Sundowns have had a couple of players who showed great potential from previous clubs and were lured to Downs, where their careers stalled.Former Kaizer Chiefs star George Lebese and Aubrey Ngoma are among those who joined Downs with much expectations and ended up frustrated after they were reduced to spectators.However, that has not always been the story as some players waited their turn and eventually became prominent features in the Sundowns line-up.Andile Jali is a prime example as he spent his first season on the sidelines but ended up being a key figure and would wear the captain's armband from time to time.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"Neo has got a bit of struggle. You have seen even with his performances not so good. But he will come alright, and of course, he has to wait for his turn. He’s a very good player, and we need him," <a href="https://youtu.be/9UAZYoAshT0?si=i1jTg229VTAT6voi" target="_blank">Mokwena told members of the media</a>."He will work his way back into the team, and I’m 100% sure about that. But he has to fight now because you see Tashreeq Matthews, Gaston, and Sipho, they’re doing well. He has to fight for his place like all the other players," Mokwena explained."So, this is what happens at a big club, so he has to fight like everyone else. But my message to him and to all the players who are not even on the team is that we need them. It’s going to be a difficult season; everyone has to make a form of contribution towards the end," Mokwena added.

WHAT WAS SAID

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/we-are-poisonous-mamelodi-sundowns-coach-rhulani-mokwena-set-a-1000-passes-target/bltbd8a10e2ec7aa78a" target="_blank">Maema will continue to watch on the stands when his team plays SuperSport United in the Tshwane derby </a>on Tuesday evening at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/supersport-should-be-above-orlando-pirates-hunt-unhappy-with-matsatsantsa-s-inconsistencies-we-should-be-six-seven-points-clear/blt2f7ded9543e8e0e7" target="_blank">The defending champions are set to play a limping United side </a>that has failed to get a win in the last three games.However, Gavin Hunt and his side go into the game with the confidence that they are the last side to beat Sundowns in the league as they beat Downs 2-1 in September 2022.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has lifted the lid on Neo Maema's absence from PSL defending champions' recent games | Goal.com

Rhulani Mokwena has provided reasons on why he has excluded Neo Maema from his Mamelodi Sundowns team.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has lifted the lid on Neo Maema&apos;s absence from PSL defending champions&apos; recent games

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