Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates fans have been waiting for this one.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ attacker Neo Maema has finally lifted the lid on why he packed his bags for Tanzania’s Simba SC, rather than the short trip to Soweto.
After joining Kabo Yellow in July 2021 from Bloemfontein Celtic, the 28-year-old moved East after 13 goals and 14 assists in 120 appearances in Tshwane.
NEO MAEMA ANSWERS THE KAIZER CHIEFS QUESTION
The date was 22 August 2025. The player known as “Billy” was announced in East Africa, where he was to play his football under South African coach Fadlu Davids. His Sundowns teammate Rushine De Reuck also made the same move.
According to Maema, the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates interest was real, but deep down, he knew it wasn’t the right time or place.
“There was interest,” he told Soccer Laduma. “My agent told me about it, but I was in a difficult space. We sat down with my dad, and I told them I didn’t think crossing towns would be good for me as a player.
“What I needed was a new environment. My two years weren’t consistent in playing time,” Maema continued. “I said if there were offers outside the country, I’d take them. Then Simba showed interest, and I felt like this was what I needed, because greener pastures aren’t about the location, it’s about growth.”
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The left-footed attacking midfielder said this [moving to Simba] was something he had always aspired to, to play beyond South African borders for a season or two and experience a new culture. He added that football is short, and when it ends, every player wants to look back with experience, not regrets.
LIFE AT SIMBA
Meanwhile, Maema has helped Simba into the CAF Champions League group stages, playing twice in four games. They’ve been drawn in Group D alongside Esperance, Stade Malien and Petro de Luanda.