Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema has broken his silence on the delayed confirmation of his second loan stint with Tanzanian giants Simba SC at the beginning of the 2026/27 season.
The 30-year-old playmaker returned to Dar es Salaam on a season-long loan from the reigning CAF Champions League holders ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. However, his long-term future had been plunged into uncertainty following the conclusion of last season, with speculation linking him with a return to the Betway Premiership.
As FARPost previously reported, behind-the-scenes negotiations between Maema, Sundowns, and Simba were ongoing while the player weighed up his options.
Maema has now clarified the reason behind the protracted transfer, revealing that securing the green light from parent club Sundowns was crucial before he could commit to another season in East Africa.
WHY MAEMA’S SIMBA RETURN WAS DELAYED
“Obviously I had to go back to Mamelodi Sundowns to make sure that I leave on a good note and I thank them for allowing me to go for a second spell on loan,” Maema told FARPost.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS STAR ADMITS TO A SLOW START AT SIMBA SC
The left-footed player also admitted that his first few months in Tanzania were not as he expected, but his performances improved towards the end of the season.
”My first year was a bit more difficult. But since I went back now for the second spell I would say it’s a bit more comfortable. Obviously, I went there for football, and football keeps growing, and you must never get comfortable,” added Maema. “But I am looking forward to the second season because I feel like last season I started badly, but then I ended very high.
“I am grateful to everyone who made it possible for me to go to the second season. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Addressing the uncertainty surrounding his future, Maema admitted he remained focused on his performances rather than administrative hold-ups.
“I wouldn’t know the reasons [for the delay in the decision], but what I can control is my performance on the pitch, making sure that I give my 100 percent. Towards the end of the season, I got to my usual goal of contributing because of my quality—competing for cups, and we won two trophies. So I think they were more satisfied, especially with coach Steve Barker coming in January, who also showed some faith in me. So it was easy for me to come back to this side.”
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