Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema resurfaces in Tanzania and signs for ex-Orlando Pirates coach's team

Tanzanian giants Simba SC have announced Neo Maema as their new player.

This was after the player was recently released by Mamelodi Sundowns while captaining Bafana Bafana at the 2024 African Nations Championship.

He joins Fadlu Davids-coached Simba on a 12-month contract with an option to extend. 

"Welcome to Simba SC, Neo Maema," the club announced.

At Simba, Maema is reunited with former Sundowns teammate Rushine de Reuck.

For a player who is 29, he might still be harbouring ambitions to play for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

That opportunity might come especially after top performances in the CAF Champions League.

Sundowns have so far announced just one signing, Fawaaz Basadien, after parting ways with 12 players.

They are yet to announce their replacements, especially in midfield, where they released the likes of Maema, Sipho Mbule, Rivaldo Coetzee, Lebohang Maboe, Kobamelo Kodisang, Thembinkosi Lorch and Matias Esquivel.