Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema believes that winning the Nedbank Cup title will cap off a successful treble campaign for his side, eclipsing their achievement of the 2022-23 season where they only clinched the league crown.
The Brazilians will face defending champions Orlando Pirates in the final of the Ke Yona at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
Sundowns are chasing a treble, having already clinched the African Football League (AFL) and DStv Premiership titles this season.
The Buccaneers have already clinched a trophy at the expense of Sundowns this season, having beaten them via penalty shootout in the MTN8 final in October.
Maema is convinced that their consistent performances in the league will give them the upper hand in this fixture.
“The treble is still there, and we want it. It has been a successful season. Last campaign we did very well, but we only won the league.
“This season, we have also won the AFL, so in our eyes, it’s a successful season and we can put the cherry on top with the Nedbank Cup.
“I would not say there are favourites or underdogs, but we won the league, and it takes a marathon runner to win the league and be consistent in their performances,” Maema told the media during a press briefing in Chloorkop.
Maema has endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign. Despite featuring in 28 matches across all competitions, Maema has scored only one goal thus far as he has continuously battled for game time.
The midfielder clarified that he has never disagreed with coach Rulani Mokwena despite being relegated to a benchwarmer for most of the season.
“When you come to a big club, you get into a space of competitiveness. But it is a situation that makes you strong not only as a footballer but also as a man. I took it as it came, and I know there was a lot of speculation for a reason (reduced game time) between me and the coach.
“Nothing was going on. It was me trying to make sure I competed and I was off form. It was not a secret, and I have been trying to get myself slowly back to my old performance,” Maema clarified.
Maema also lauded his teammates for their consistent performance levels.
“Credit needs to go to the players who have been performing. I have been supporting them, and I have been a very good teammate, and that’s what happens at a big club,” Maema added.
