Head coach Rulani Mokwena is confident that midfielder Neo Maema will bounce back and retain his position in the starting line-up at Mamelodi Sundowns.
Maema has been struggling when it comes to securing game-time at the Chloorkop-based outfit this season.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder has spent more time in the stands than even on the bench lately, with the arrival of both Thembinkosi Lorch and Tashreeq Matthews pushing him further down the pecking order.
He has only made six appearances for the Brazilians in the DStv Premiership, with only one goal next to his name and no assist so far this season.
Mokwena has since assured Maema that he will get his chance and must keep working hard at training.
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“Neo has got a bit of struggle, you have seen even with performances not so good but he will come alright also he has to wait for his turn. He is a very good player and we need him,” Mokwena told KickOff.
“He will work his way to the team and I am 100% sure about that, but has to fight because you see Tashreeq, Gaston (Sirino), Sipho (Mbule). He has to fight his place like the others.
”Lebo (Maboe) has been playing well and it's a bit unfair to put Lebo on the bench after such good performances, but we have to try to rotate the team. It’s what happens to big clubs. So, he has to fight like everybody else.
But my message to him and all the players not in the team is that we need them. It’s going to be a difficult season and everybody has to make some of the contribution towards that,” added the young tactician.
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Jody February, Brian Onyango, and Dennis Onyango are some of the players currently struggling with game-time at the Tshwane giants, but Mokwena will consider it a good headache to have as the team is involved in a number of competitions, including the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League.
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