South African international and attacking midfielder Neo Maema is on the verge of leaving Mamelodi Sundowns to join Tanzanian and East African giants Simba SC, following a spell of negotiations, Footy-Africa has exclusively learned.
Simba intend to sign the experienced midfielder on a three-year employment contract that will run at least until the 2027/28 campaign. He wants to leave Mamelodi Sundowns, having struggled for playing time last season. His contract still has a year left before expiration.
A source close to the player’s representatives, JDR Consultating, has exclusively disclosed to Footy-Africa that the latter has held talks with Simba over a move. Maema could jet into Tanzania as early as next week for medicals and contract signing.
“The talks have been ongoing for quite some time now, and they have reached the final stages. He (Maema) absolutely wants to leave Mamelodi Sundowns in search for quality playing time, and in Simba, a brilliant opportunity avails itself. Simba want to sign him on a three-year contract. He could be in the country as early as Monday in the coming week,” the source exclusively told Footy-Africa.
In his most recent spell at Mamelodi Sundowns, Maema made 17 appearances across the Premier Soccer League, CAF Champions League, Club World Cup, MTN8 Tournament, and the Nedbank Cup. Over the past four seasons at the club, he has made 123 appearances, scoring 13 goals and assisting 15 times.
Besides Mamelodi Sundowns, the player, whose transfermarkt valuation is estimated at €1 million, has previously featured for Bloemfontein Celtic, where he spent over four campaigns.
Meanwhile, with the South African national team, the Bafana Bafana, Maema has garnered two competitive caps, coming this year in the qualifiers of the African Nations Championships (CHAN).
