Simba SC head coach Steve Barker has confirmed the arrival of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema after the two clubs concluded lengthy negotiations over his return to the Tanzanian giants.
The 30-year-old travelled to Dar es Salaam on Thursday to link up with Barker’s squad as they put the finishing touches on their preparations for the 2026/27 season.
Maema returns to Wekundu wa Msimbazi for a second loan spell after impressing during his previous loan stint, which began under former coach Fadlu Davids. Barker has now opted to retain the attacking midfielder for the new season.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Simba Day celebrations, the former Stellenbosch FC mentor confirmed that Maema had rejoined the squad. “I was very pleased this morning to see Neo Maema on the bus. It was good to have him back in the squad. It took a while to get that concluded, but I’m happy that he’s with us,” Barker told FARPost.
BARKER CONFIDENT MAEMA WILL HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
Barker acknowledged that he would have preferred Maema to join earlier in pre-season but said the midfielder has remained professional throughout the negotiations.
“I think it’s not too dissimilar from the start of last season where it didn’t happen immediately,” Barker explained. “He’s a good professional. We’ve been in contact, and he’s been in contact with our conditioning coaches, so he’s been on an off-season programme.
“Again, it would have been ideal for him to have arrived earlier. But as you know, when you’re in negotiations and doing loan deals, that just doesn’t happen overnight. The main part is that he’s here. He’s back. He’s with us, and I’m sure it won’t take him too long to get up to a good level and be back pushing for a starting position.”
Maema played a part last season as Wekundu wa Msimbazi finished second in the Tanzanian Premier League and won two domestic cup titles. His return strengthens the South African contingent at the club, where he joins head coach Barker, defender Rushine De Reuck and winger Keletso Makgalwa.
Although Maema has now linked up with the squad, he could miss Simba’s Community Cup clash against arch-rivals Young Africans as he works his way back to full match fitness.
BARKER LOOKING FORWARD TO SIMBA DAY CELEBRATIONS
Meanwhile, Barker is looking forward to experiencing one of the club’s biggest occasions – Simba Day. The event holds added significance this year as the Tanzanian giants celebrate their 90th anniversary. Having taken charge midway through last season, he admitted that Simba Day will be a new experience for him, but one he is eagerly anticipating.
“On a personal level, I’ve heard of it, but I haven’t experienced it, so for me it’ll be a new experience and one that I can’t wait for. It’s a day for the fans; it’s a day for Simba to celebrate who we are. We are 90 years old this year as a football club, and we are looking forward to entertaining our fans tomorrow, while also using it as an opportunity to keep preparing for the season ahead.”
Barker added that Simba Day represents a celebration of one of Africa’s biggest clubs, while also providing an opportunity to continue building momentum before the competitive action begins.
“Tomorrow is a celebration of a great football club, one of the best on the continent. When it comes to our fans, I’ve got no doubt that we have the best fans in Africa. The passion, the way they support the team, the numbers that come out, it’s so pleasing to drive in the streets and see every second person wearing a Simba jersey.”
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