Bafana Bafana Star Leaves Mamelodi Sundowns As Kaizer Chiefs Miss Out on Signing
- Bafana Bafana midfielder Neo Maema is returning to Tanzania's Simba SC on another season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns
- Kaizer Chiefs were among several PSL clubs believed to be monitoring Maema's availability before he committed to staying in East Africa
- A source close to the deal confirmed the South African international is already back in Tanzania and feels appreciated at the Tanzanian club
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Bafana Bafana midfielder Neo Maema will spend a second consecutive season at Tanzanian giants Simba SC, ending any prospect of a return to the Betway Premiership in the near term.
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The 25-year-old joins Simba again on a season-long loan arrangement from Mamelodi Sundowns, where head coach Miguel Cardoso has regarded him as surplus to requirements. His strong showing in Tanzania last season drew attention from multiple PSL clubs, with Kaizer Chiefs understood to have been monitoring his availability with particular interest.
Maema already back in Tanzania
Despite ongoing reports linking Maema with a possible move to Kaizer Chiefs, the midfielder appears to have made his decision by returning to Tanzania ahead of the new season.
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A source close to the situation told Mgosi Squad that several PSL clubs had shown genuine interest in the player. However, Maema's decision to travel back to Tanzania suggests that he is keen to remain with Simba SC.
Phakaaathi had previously reported that Simba were considering making Maema’s stay permanent. However, the latest developments indicate that the player could instead return to the Tanzanian giants on another loan deal rather than completing a permanent transfer.
Familiar faces at Simba
Maema will operate within a squad that carries some South African familiarity. Simba are managed by compatriot Steve Barker, and former Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck is also part of the club's setup, providing an environment Maema is evidently comfortable in.
Maema's decision to stay put effectively closes the door on Kaizer Chiefs' pursuit for at least another season, leaving Amakhosi to look elsewhere as they continue reshaping their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Bafana star leaves Sundowns for PSL rivals
Briefly News also reported that a Bafana Bafana star has decided to leave Sundowns for the second season running for Premier Soccer League rivals.
The South African international is one of the few players leaving the CAF Champions League champions this summer ahead of the 2026-27 season.
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Source: Briefly News
