Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema admits he’s been impressed by the new crop of youngsters emerging in the squad.
Sundowns have dominated the domestic scene over the past decade as they chase their eighth consecutive league title, and in this process, one of the criticisms against them has often been inflated squads with limited opportunities for youngsters.
While the critics may have been debatable with several young talents emerging from Masandawana, directly, or indirectly when leaving the club, this season, there’s been no debates about the exciting players pushing for places in the starting eleven.
Kutlwano Letlhaku, Siyabonga Mabena, Asekho Tiwani, the teenagers in the squad, along with 20-year-old academy duo Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi and Malinbongwe Khoza have been tipped for huge futures in the local game.
“There’s a lot of great young players in the league and we need to make sure we support them, mainly because we know what time of environment they are in,” Maema said.
“They must understand that Sundowns is a team that needs to win every game, [you] hardly going to get a second chance after a bad performance.
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“So we make sure we help them, but they also help themselves with the type of performances they give week-in, week-out.
“When they not playing, they don’t sulk, they make sure they are available for the next selection [of the squad], which is something I admire about the youngsters at our club.
“It’s something that’s interesting to see and it will help them grow and the discipline within the group makes sure they stay grounded.”
Sundowns secured a place in the final of the Carling Knockout against Magesi after beating Marumo Gallants 2-0 on Sunday, with Maema on the scoresheet in his hometown province of the Free State.
