Neo Maema Confirms Kaizer Chiefs Interest Before Move to Simba SC

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema has revealed that Kaizer Chiefs showed interest in signing him before his transfer to Tanzanian giants Simba SC. Maema said the approach from Chiefs was genuine, but he felt a move abroad was the right step for his career. “I’m not sure whether it’s right to talk about them, but there was interest, to be honest,” Maema admitted.

The left-footed playmaker, who struggled for consistent game time during his final two seasons at Sundowns, explained that he wanted a complete change of environment rather than a domestic transfer.

“My agent came to me and told me there was interest, but it was very difficult in the space that I was at. I sat down with my dad and my family and told them, ‘This is how I feel, and I feel like if I switch teams, it’s not going to be good for me as a player. I feel like what I need is a completely new environment because I wasn’t getting consistent playing time for two years.’”

Maema added that his decision to move abroad was influenced by both personal growth and faith. “If I have an offer from outside the country, I’m willing to take it. Coach Fadlu Davids came in and showed interest, and then Simba came. I said this might be what I need, but greener pastures are not about the physical location, it’s where God wants you to go. That’s what I wanted to experience throughout my career. At some point, whether for a season or two, I just wanted to be out of the country, play football there, learn new things, and become a man. Football is very short and it’s going to end, so at least you’ll have a lot of experience about what football is and what God has let you see in the game.”

Since joining Simba SC, Maema has settled into Tanzanian football, embracing the challenges of a new culture and league. He reflects on his time in South African football with gratitude, seeing it as a foundation for growth both on and off the pitch.

The move marks a significant chapter in Maema’s career, giving him the opportunity to gain international experience while continuing his development as a professional footballer.