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Neo Maema, Simba SCBackpage
Seth Willis

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema confirms Kaizer Chiefs' 'interest' after hitting the ground running at Simba SC

The 29-year-old Bafana Bafana international is one of the talented players from Mzansi, but now playing trade in Tanzania with Wekundu wa Msimbazi. The experienced midfielder has established himself at his new club in East Africa, where he has been vital in the final third. He has further discussed the interest from the Soweto giants in his services.

  • Neo Maema, Simba SC, August 2025Simba SC

    New season, new adventure for Maema

    Neo Maema had been at Mamelodi Sundowns since the 2021/22 season, when he joined the team from Bloemfontein Celtic.

    However, in the latter seasons, the 29-year-old struggled to cement his place in the starting team.

    He, eventually, was released and Simba SC of Tanzania benefited.    

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  • Neo Maema of South AfricaBackpagepix

    Chiefs were linked to Maema

    Kaizer Chiefs, who were restructuring, saw Maema as one of the players to strengthen their midfield.

    Having played in the Premier Soccer League for a long time, and competed in the CAF inter-club competition.

    However, there were no clarifications on whether Amakhosi made a bid or not.    

    In his recent interview with Soccer Laduma, Maema opened up on the initially speculated move to Naturena.

  • Neo Maema, Mamelodi Sundowns, January 2025 Neo Maema/Lo Phanda

    Maema opens up about Amakhosi interest

    “I’m not sure whether it’s right to talk about them, but there was interest, to be honest,” he stated.

    “My agent came to me and told me there was interest, but it was very difficult in the space that I was at. I sat down with my dad and my family and told them, ‘This is how I feel, and I feel like if I switch teams, it’s not going to be good for me as a player. 

    "I feel like what I need is a completely new environment because I wasn’t getting consistent playing time for two years'," Maema concluded. 

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  • Hugo Broos, South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    Can Maema force his way back to Bafana Bafana

    Maema has hit the ground running at Simba SC, where he has already provided assists against Namungo in the league and, most recently, in a CAF inter-club game against Nsingizini Hotspurs. 

    He was also a vital player in the Bafana Bafana's CHAN team a couple of months ago.  

    If he sustains his form, Hugo Broos might just consider having him in his squad for the 2025 AFCON.

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