Simba SC midfielder Neo Maema has confirmed that he is still a Mamelodi Sundowns player, revealing that his move to the Tanzanian giants is a loan. The clarification comes as a surprise to many.
In August, the Chloorkop-based side issued a statement that was misconstrued as a permanent farewell, leading many to believe Maema’s chapter with the Brazilians had officially closed.
Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, Maema addressed the confusion surrounding his contractual status, noting that the intricacies of his move were never fully disclosed to the public.
WHAT NEO MAEMA SAID ABOUT HIS STATUS
“People don’t know that I’m actually on loan,” Maema told host Andile Ncube. “I still have to go back and hear what [Sundowns] have to say. For me to come to Tanzania was very difficult because I had to negotiate with the club.”
Maema admitted to being in the dark regarding whether Masandawana scouts are actively monitoring his performances in the NBC Premier League. He outlined two primary paths for his immediate future. Either Simba SC triggers a permanent transfer clause, or PSL giants Sundowns recalls the player or facilitates a move elsewhere upon his return.
“I’m on loan, and I don’t know why it wasn’t disclosed. I think after this, I have two options – Simba are either going to trigger, or maybe we part ways. For now, I don’t have an exact answer.”
Meanwhile, Maema further revealed they were yet to receive their dues from participating in CHAN last year in August. The midfielder, who captained the side, expressed deep disappointment over the SAFA’s failure to remunerate the players.
“As the captain, I can testify that they have not paid,” Maema stated, adding that the squad has been met with nothing but “empty promises” while teammates look to him for answers.
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