With the new season set to start, Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is not with the club now, but it's not too much of a concern for him.
Maema is part of South Africa's African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad and being away from Sundowns means he will not be in a position to fight for his place in the starting line-up at club level. This, however, does not worry him too much. What matters right now is representing the country and trying to win the CHAN competition, set to be played in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
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"Firstly, it's a proud moment to represent the country. It's a massive achievement to be in this position. It's a tournament we have not participated in for a long time. It's more excitement for me. It really does not matter to me (where he is playing now). The only thing that matters is us making sure we put the national team in a good position," Maema told media after the CHAN squad's practice match against Angola on Tuesday morning.
"A lot of players in our team are unattached and it's for them to do their best and make sure that they play for their contracts. And coming back with a medal would be such a bad thing."
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Maema has recently been linked with a loan move to Tanzanian outfit Simba SC, but he did not want to talk about his future. Maema struggled for game time last season and it might not get any better in the coming campaign if he stays at Chloorkop.
"No comment on that," he said.
Pressed further on what he wants in terms of his career in the coming season, Maema said: "I just want to focus on the tournament, making sure that we are in a good position for the tournament. That's what I am thinking about."
