Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema has finally opened up about his decision to leave South Africa for Tanzanian giants Simba SC, turning down interest from Kaizer Chiefs in the process.
Maema, currently on a season-long loan in Dar es Salaam, moved to Simba in search of consistent game-time after struggling to secure a regular place under Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, who has made it clear he prefers working with a compact squad. His departure was part of a wider clear-out at Chloorkop that also saw Sipho Mbule, Thembinkosi Lorch, Rivaldo Coetzee, Lebohang Maboe, Etiosa Ighodaro, Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Lucas Suárez and Matias Esquivel exit the club.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic playmaker reunited with ex-Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck at Simba under then-coach Fadlu Davids – before Davids recently left to take the reins at Raja Casablanca.
Before sealing his loan deal, Maema had been strongly linked with Kaizer Chiefs, who were looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
Why Maema turned down Chiefs
Speaking on the Soccer Beat Podcast, Maema confirmed that Amakhosi were indeed interested, but said he felt a move abroad would serve him better at this stage of his career.
“I knew about Chiefs’ interest – my agent informed me – but I sat down with my family and decided I needed a completely new environment,” he explained. “For me, that couldn’t be another club in South Africa. If anything came up, it had to be outside the country.”
Maema added that Simba approached him at the perfect time, while he was preparing for the CHAN tournament with Bafana Bafana, and the club’s ambitions aligned with his personal goals.
“Simba came with a proposal while I was focused on CHAN, and I felt it made sense. I wanted to compete in the CAF Champions League, push myself this season and maintain a high level. That’s what motivated my decision.”