Sweden boss defends Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres against 'ignorant' critics
Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson has hit back at those who have been critical of Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres' recent form.
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."
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."
Issued on SABC Sport by Velile Mnyandu | https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/neo-maema-shelves-future-plans-eyes-chan-glory-with-bafana-bafana
