The Bloemfontein born-and-bred Neo Maema has been reinstated as captain for the decisive second leg.

Maema, who missed the first leg in Lilongwe due to club obligations, will take over the leadership from Kwanda Mngonyama, who stood in during the 1-0 loss last weekend. Zeliat Nkhoma’s 88th-minute strike separated the sides in the Malawian capital, leaving coach Molefi Ntseki’s charges with it all to do in Pretoria if they are to book their ticket to the CHAN finals in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August.

Neo Maema - Morgan Piek

Ntseki confirmed that the former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder, Maema, will resume captaincy duties, having previously led the national side during the successful qualification campaign against Egypt in March. South Africa beat the North Africans 4-2 on aggregate, including a statement-making 3-1 win away in Ismailia.

“In the previous camp against Egypt, Maema was the elected captain. He is back with us now, and it’s only natural that he resumes his role,” Ntseki explained.

“Kwanda led the team well in the first leg, and he remains an important part of our leadership group. But with Maema back in camp, he takes the armband once more, with Kwanda as his deputy.”

Speaking at the team’s final training session, Maema stressed the importance of the moment—not only in terms of qualification, but for legacy.

“It’s good to be back and part of this group,” said the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder. “A lot of us don’t always get minutes at our clubs, so this is a chance to show what we can do. It’s been 12 years since South Africa last qualified for CHAN, and that’s something we want to change.”

Neo Maema - Morgan Piek

“As the captain, my job is to inspire the boys, remind them of what’s at stake. This is about more than just one game—it’s about writing our names in the history books. We owe it to ourselves and to South African football.”

South Africa will need to win by at least two clear goals to advance, with away goals not in their favour. A 1-0 victory would take the match to penalties.

Sunday's second leg qualifier at Loftus Versfeld in the capital city will kick-off at 15:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport