Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema has dismissed suggestions of a lack of discipline within the squad following the red cards issued to Bathusi Aubaas and Khuliso Mudau in their recent CAF Champions League match against Raja Casablanca.

Despite these setbacks, Maema remains confident that Sundowns can overcome AS Maniema Union at Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte on Saturday.

Sundowns is second in Group B with five points after four matches, three behind group leaders FAR Rabat who they are hosting in Pretoria in the last game of the group.  

The 2016 Champions League champions have to beat the Congolese in Kinshasa as that will eliminate Maniema, who have three points in four matches, with Sundowns having drawn with them in Pretoria.  

However, the absence of Aubaas and Mudau, both key members of the Bafana Bafana squad, will undoubtedly present a challenge for Sundowns. However, Maema emphasizes that the team possesses the depth and quality to compensate for their absence.

“Actually, we are very professional and playing away it is always difficult,” Maema said in Congo, as he might start in this game for Sundowns.  

“We played against an aggressive team and the coach has told us that they are very difficult to play against when we play away.  

“So, it is not a matter of ill-discipline or whatever. We know our responsibilities that each player has to do. It was just unfortunate for the red cards, but it’s not that it makes an ill-discipline team. 

“But we actually very supporting each other when it comes to that. We have to make sure that when they come back, they don’t do the same mistakes. But this can happen to anyone because football is a team sport and we have to support each other through everything. 

“We have a bit squad, quality players and we know Maniema is very physical, we know what they can possess, we know what they can do. 

“We just have to apply ourselves accordingly to make sure that we minimize our mistakes and make sure that we walk away with three points.”    

Maniema Union, who typically play their home matches at Stade Joseph Kabila Kabange (15000 seater) in Kindu, have opted to host this crucial encounter at the larger Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte in Kinshasa, where a crowd of 80,000 spectators is expected.

Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has emphasized the importance of these upcoming matches against Maniema Union and FAR Rabat, describing them as “cup finals.”

“What is important is that these two games are like finals to be played,” said Cardoso. 

“It is important to have this attitude, this character, this way of facing the games because when you go with this intensity, with this passion, with commitment, we are able to express the quality that we have. 

“That is what I’m expecting, that is our intention and that is for sure and that is what we are going to do on Saturday.”