Neo Maema shelves future plans, eyes CHAN glory with Bafana Bafana

Neo Maema shelves future plans, eyes CHAN glory with Bafana Bafana

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is not entertaining discussions around his future yet, preferring to focus on the African Nations Championship (CHAN) preparations with Bafana Bafana for now.

Coming to this camp, it was widely reported that Maema is headed to Tanzanian giants Simba Sports Club on a season-long loan deal, with suggestions that the move possibly happening at the end of the CHAN tournament.

However, the former Bloemfontein Celtic attacker refused to comment on his future just yet.

"For me, I still need to play football beyond CHAN, [but] I'm just focusing on CHAN now. I would not like to comment on that, thank you," said Maema.

"I would not like to comment on [the speculation], I'm focusing on CHAN and making sure that we take it one day at a time."

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Bafana have not managed a podium finish in a CHAN tournament since it’s inception in 2009, and Maema says this is one of their two objectives, along with seeing most of his countrymen who are clubless getting new teams.

"For me, personally, it wouldn't be bad to come back with a medal and a trophy, I think that's the first [target] that's on top of our minds," he added.

"Because I think it's been 12 years not qualifying for this tournament so this is going to be a huge opportunity for this group of players.

"And the second thing for me, personally, will be the guys that are without contracts just to raise their hands, show why they are professionals, and making sure at the end of the tournament they get contracts, because the most important thing is to get a job."