Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi says it’s quite easy for offensive players in South Africa to be highly respected, despite not producing enough goal contributions, but insists Neo Maema is different.
Maema claimed a second consecutive Man of the Match award when Sundowns walloped Marumo Gallants 4-0 in Polokwane on Sunday, as they extended their unbeaten run in the DStv Premiership this campaign.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic star is fast becoming vital in Sundowns’ attack, combining well with the likes of Themba Zwane, Peter Shalulile and Pavol Safranko.
Surprisingly, he doesn’t score much or even assist but his worth to the team is very evident, as detailed by one of the club’s bosses. He is already proving to be a first-team starter on the club’s rooster,
“We know what he is capable of, but what is more encouraging for us is when a young player like Neo presents himself as a goal that’s got a goal and a player that has got an assist. That is what we want with players that are offensive players because it’s easy in South Africa to have an offensive player in South Africa that does not take a shot at goal, that does not have an assist or that can’t put in a cross but is highly respected,” Mngqithi told the Sundowns media department after the game.
“So Neo Maema is a player with a goal, with a cross, with a dribble, with a pass. Those are very important.”