Simba midfielder Neo Maema has revealed that once the current season ends, he has two options he is considering: returning to Mamelodi Sundowns or staying at Simba should the club decide to sign him permanently, as he is currently playing on loan.
Maema, who joined Simba during the main transfer window this season from South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, arrived alongside central defender Rushine De Reuck. Both players were recommended by the club’s former coach, Fadlu Davids, before he moved on to Raja Casablanca.
Speaking to South African radio station Sports Night Amplified on Metro FM, Maema said the decision to join Simba was not as easy as many people might think.
“I haven’t spoken directly with the club about any other team. I only received information from my agent that there was a club interested in me,” said Maema.
“Many people don’t know this, but coming to Tanzania was difficult because I had to negotiate with the club. Many also don’t know that I am here on loan, and when my contract ends, I still have to return to Sundowns to hear what they will decide.”
The midfielder added that he does not know why the loan arrangement was not made public from the beginning and that he is currently unsure whether Simba will sign him permanently.
“I am on loan and I don’t know why it wasn’t clearly explained. After this season, I have two options: either Simba will activate the option to buy me, or I will leave. For now, I don’t have a definite answer.”
Maema has featured in 10 matches for Simba this season, including five CAF Champions League games, in which he scored one goal during the group stage away to Stade Malien in a 2–1 defeat.
Overall, Maema played 19 minutes in the Community Shield match against Yanga, which Simba lost 1–0. In the league, he featured for 26 minutes against Fountain Gate, 45 minutes against Namungo, 90 minutes against JKT Tanzania, 90 minutes against Azam, 31 minutes against Mbeya City, and 74 minutes against Mtibwa Sugar.
In international competition, he played 90 minutes against Petro Atletico in a 1–0 home defeat, 64 minutes against Stade Malien, and nine minutes against Esperance de Tunis.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ decision to loan out Maema was aimed at giving him regular playing time to improve his form. Since his departure, the club has signed other midfielders including Nuno Santos, Miguel Reisinho, and Tsiki Ntsabeleng, all of whom have shown strong performances and increased competition for his position.
