Maema Opens Up On Lack Of Game Time Amid Simba Links
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema has opened up about the lack of game time at the Tshwane giants, amid talks of a potential season-long loan to Tanzanian giants Simba SC ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
The 29-year-old signed for the Brazilians in the 2021/22 season from the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic and went on to make 120 appearances with 13 goals and 14 assists provided, while lifting six trophies, including the African Football League [AFL].
However, Maema, who is in the final 12 months of his contract at Chloorkop, found himself as part of the fringe players in recent seasons. The utility player made 17 appearances across all competitions last season and was an unused substitute in all matches in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Now, with his future hanging in the balance, the Downs star addressed the lack of minutes under his belt, with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, provided Bafana Bafana book a spot, on the horizon.
“Firstly, in football you have to be professional, the next thing is to accept the situation that you are in and make sure that you look at yourself, check your performances, check how you train, and make sure that you tweak a few things and work harder,” said Maema.
“You have to make sure that you come back strong, so, for me, I am my motivation. I make sure that whenever I get an opportunity, whether it’s at the national team or my club, I give my 100%, so there is no issue in that.”
Having captained the national team during the CHAN matches, Maema credited his spell with the reigning Betway Premiership champions for the leadership skills he displayed in the three matches he led the team out.
“Of course, [being at Sundowns taught me how to be a leader], that’s an institute that teaches a lot about humility, teaches a lot about excellence. So, I would say some of the things, as a person, I learned from the senior players in the team,” he added.
“It’s also the winning mentality that makes me want to become a leader one day, and an opportunity came, so I just have to do my best. I only captained the national team for three games; I can’t wait for the tournament to start so that we can hopefully come back with the trophy.”
It remains to be seen where Maema will be playing his football next season, as Fadlu Davids is said to be keen on luring the player to Dar es Salaam, as he already roped in Rushine De Reuck from Sundowns ahead of a CAF Champions League return for Simba.
