As difficult as it's been to get into the starting line-up at Mamelodi Sundowns, Neo Maema is not surprised that he was able to make the final squad that has travelled to the USA for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Often linked with an exit from Sundowns this past season, the former Bloemfontein Celtic man was in high spirits at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday afternoon, taking on the responsibility of being the 'vlogger' of the day for the club as they departed for the USA.
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After starting just five matches and playing a total of 17 in all competitions, Maema may have been forgiven for thinking he might not make the cut for the final squad travelling to the USA. But he told media at the airport that he believed he would get into the team.
"I always knew that I would make the squad. It's not being arrogant, but I feel like this is the work of the players who were here two years ago. We qualified for the Club World Cup two seasons ago. When you are still at the team, you just have to eat the fruits of the work you've put in,
"I am happy to make the squad and obviously disappointed for the ones who didn't make it. But it's competition. It's a big club. I feel for them because they are my brothers, but I am looking forward to the experience of the Club World Cup. I am not going to mention anything about my future at the club. I am still a Sundowns player."
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"We got a few days off to recuperate and gather our thoughts and just look forward because it's another adventure and another experience. We are playing against the best clubs around the world, so we are looking forward to that."
