Bafana Bafana Star Explains Why He Rejected Kaizer Chiefs When Leaving Mamelodi Sundowns
- A former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has clarified the reason he turned down the chance to join Kaizer Chiefs in the summer
- The Bafana Bafana star had the chance to move to the Soweto giants when the Tshwane giants decided to let him go
- Social media users aired their views on the South African international's reason for not joining Amakhosi online
Bafana Bafana midfielder Neo Maema has explained the reason behind his decision to reject a move to Kaizer Chiefs after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season.
Source: Getty Images
Maema endured limited playing time at the Tshwane giants over the past two seasons, prompting him to seek a new challenge after the 2023/24 campaign.
Rather than remaining in the Premier Soccer League, the attacking midfielder opted for a fresh start abroad, signing with Tanzanian giants Simba SC.
At the time Maema signed for the Tanzanian giants, the club was under the guidance of South African coach Fadlu Davids, who has since moved on to join the Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca.
Maema on why he rejected Kaizer Chiefs
Maema, in a recent interview, confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs had shown interest in securing his services, with the club reaching out to his representatives.
However, he explained that he was determined to seek a completely new experience, which ultimately influenced his decision to move to East Africa.
He admitted that while there was genuine interest from Amakhosi, he felt it would not be the right move for him at that stage of his career.
Source: Getty Images
After discussing the situation with his father and family, Maema concluded that what he needed most was a fresh environment, particularly after struggling for consistent game time over the past two seasons.
The Soweto giants signed Lebogang Maboe on a free transfer after leaving Sundowns, and two South African internationals after their contracts ended with Orlando Pirates.
Here is what fans have said about Maema's explanation for not joining Kaizer Chiefs after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns in the summer.
Don Junub Dizzle said:
"What about now? How many minutes has he played with his current club so far."
Filter Maxwell Mathe wrote:
"No, his previous employers told him not to join chiefs if he wants his clearances now he's cooking up a story."
Innocent Onskulding Guiltless shared:
"One thing I noticed about chiefs once you reject the offer from the start forget about coming back for opportunities."
Sipho Elliott reacted:
"Sundowns was against that you had no choice."
Mthunzi Nkosi commented:
"Everybody knows that Sundowns were not gonna sell him to Kaizer Chiefs anyway 🏐⚽🥅."
John Makhetha added:
"He confirms what I said, he was forced to go there because some people didn't want him to join the team of his choice."
Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star joins Orlando Pirates
Briefly News also reported that a former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder has completed a move to Orlando Pirates.
The South African midfielder joined Amakhosi's rivals years after leaving the club while playing in the academy.
Source: Briefly News
