Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Neo Maema has revealed that despite playing a major role in the side’s treble-winning campaign, he is pushing for more because it was not enough for him.

The 26-year-old signed for the Brazilians from Bloemfontein Celtic and went on to make 35 appearances for Masandawana in all competitions within a highly competitive squad, where he scored four goals and provided seven assists.

Speaking after the conclusion of the season, Maema said his attitude and determination to be coachable helped him settle in so quickly. 

“It was a very difficult season, very tough. Adapting from Bloemfontein Celtic to Sundowns, where there are high expectations of winning every single match and bringing trophies, can’t be easy,” Maema said.

“But then it was better because I listened to the senior players when I joined. I told myself to be coachable and listen to the coaches and to apply myself and how to help the team. I believe that they needed something from me, so I just had to keep on grinding and I feel it is still progressing.”

“We had a great season, winning the treble but for me it is more of being grateful and also pushing for more because I just feel like it was not enough for me,” he said.

“I feel like I can still do more but I’m grateful for the opportunity from everyone who was involved and I’m very happy to make the supporters proud. They welcomed me well into the team and I appreciate everything.

“When you are a coachable player and listen to the coaches, I think it gets easier and pushes yourself into the limit you want to get. I just feel like this season I might have played a couple of games and also listened to the senior players.

“I used to watch Themba Zwane and Gaston Sirino and I saw that my style of play suited Sundowns, that’s why it was easy for me to come here.

“I always ask for advice from senior players and play in the position that I’m fighting to play for, so I can only thank them for the motivation when I came to the club.”