logo
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder set for loan move to African giants

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder set for loan move to African giants

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is on the verge of completing a surprise loan move to Tanzanian giants Simba SC for the 2025/26 season.
The 29-year-old playmaker has struggled for regular minutes at Chloorkop and expressed his desire to leave in search of consistent game time. While Siwelele initially showed interest, Simba acted swiftly once they became aware of his availability.
A reliable source confirmed that both clubs have reached an agreement, with only formalities left before the move is finalised.
Maema's imminent switch to Tanzania casts doubt over his potential involvement in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN). However, with guaranteed club football and CAF Champions League action on offer, the creative midfielder seems eager to start a new chapter abroad.
'Siwelele were reportedly interested, but Simba acted swiftly once they heard he was available,' a source close to the deal revealed.
He now looks set to reunite with Rushine De Reuck, who also made the move from Sundowns to Simba earlier in the window.
Since joining Sundowns from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2021, Maema has played 120 matches, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists. His contributions helped the Brazilians secure four consecutive DStv Premiership titles.
Despite his success in South Africa, Maema saw his role diminish and wanted a fresh challenge. Simba's ambition and continental presence presented the ideal escape route.
Simba fans will be eager to see Maema add creativity and control to their midfield. With Champions League ambitions driving the club. The arrival of a proven performer like Maema signals serious intent.
Can the Mamelodi Sundowns star regain his old form in Tanzania?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Basadien excited at move to Masandawana
Basadien excited at move to Masandawana

TimesLIVE

time9 hours ago

  • TimesLIVE

Basadien excited at move to Masandawana

New Mamelodi Sundowns defender Fawaaz Basadien is excited at the opportunity to win trophies with the club. Basadien completed his move from Stellenbosch to Sundowns on Saturday to become their first signing ahead of the new season, and immediately joined his new teammates in their preseason camp in Rustenburg. 𝑵𝑬𝑾 𝑺𝑬𝑨𝑺𝑶𝑵, 𝑵𝑬𝑾 𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺 ✍ It's time to get ready for a new season! Introducing our newest signing - the versatile & talented Fawaaz Basadien! 🔥 Welcome to the Yellow Nation, Fawaaz 💛 #Sundowns #WelcomeBasadien — Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 26, 2025 The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana defender joined Sundowns after making 111 appearances for the Cape winelands side in the last three years and where he played an instrumental role in their CAF Confederation Cup semifinal. 'Masandawana family, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait for you guys to fill up the stadiums and watch us win more trophies,' Basadien said in a brief video on Sundowns' social media. 'I'm proud to be yellow.' Basadien could make his debut when Sundowns start their new season in the MTN8 quarter final against Richards Bay on August 3. His arrival will boost Miguel Cardoso's defensive options as they prepare for another demanding campaign. Masandawana family, I'm happy to be here and I can't wait for you guys to fill up the stadiums and watch us win more trophies Fawaaz Basadien, new Mamelodi Sundowns defender His experience both locally and internationally will be ideal for the Brazilians and add both quality and depth to their backline. Meanwhile, Stellies wished Fawaaz well at Sundowns. "The club extends their sincere gratitude to Fawaaz for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment during his time in the Maroon jersey. He departs with our appreciation and best wishes as he embarks on the next chapter of his career [at Sundowns]."

Kaizer Chiefs news: New striker eyed as Mayele nears Saudi move
Kaizer Chiefs news: New striker eyed as Mayele nears Saudi move

The South African

time10 hours ago

  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs news: New striker eyed as Mayele nears Saudi move

Kaizer Chiefs are keeping their striker hunt alive amid reports of Fiston Mayele's imminent exit from Pyramids FC and interest in a new target from Central Africa. The Congolese striker Mayele was a key figure in Pyramids' historic CAF Champions League triumph but looks set to leave after receiving a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, according to Egyptian journalist Ahmed Shobeir. 'Mayele is determined to leave despite being a top scorer. Pyramids officials confirmed he's a strong candidate to depart this summer,' Shobeir said. With Mayele likely off the market, Chiefs' technical staff have shifted focus to alternatives. Cameroonian striker Ravel Djoumekou, 25, currently with FC Saint Eloi Lupopo in Congo, has been offered to the club. 'He is an experienced striker and could fill a vital role at Chiefs,' a source explained. 'The club's scouts are assessing him thoroughly before making a decision.' Kaizer Chiefs already signed six new players this offseason but acknowledge that an experienced striker is still needed to bolster the squad, especially ahead of CAF Confederation Cup challenges. Another insider added, 'The club is still evaluating players. Some are well known, others less so, but if this striker matches their standards, Chiefs will consider signing him.' Meanwhile, long-term target Fawaaz Basadien is reportedly attracting interest from Mamelodi Sundowns after missing training, signalling a possible transfer. As Chiefs prepare for the new season after a European pre-season campaign, they're focused on building a balanced squad under coach Nasreddine Nabi. The pressure is on for AmaKhosi to return to winning ways after recent underwhelming performances. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Chiefs' Nabi remains positive despite Toyota Cup loss
Chiefs' Nabi remains positive despite Toyota Cup loss

The Citizen

time13 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Chiefs' Nabi remains positive despite Toyota Cup loss

'We had opportunities to win the game during the 90 minutes, and during the penalties, but we missed them,' said the Chiefs head coach. Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi watched his side lose on penalties to Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup in Durban on Saturday. P{cture: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi remains positive Kaizer Chiefs are on the right path, despite defeat in the Toyota Cup to Asante Kotoko on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Chiefs miss chances Kotoko beat Chiefs 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the game finished goalless, with Amakhosi guilty of wasting many opportunities to put the game to bed in 90 minutes. ALSO READ: Chiefs pay the penalty as Kotoko win Toyota Cup Their best chance came a few minutes before the end of the match, captain Inacio Miguel missing after Chiefs were awarded a controversial penalty. After a chaotic penalty shootout, it was the unfortunate Miguel whose penalty was saved by Kotoko 'keeper Mohamed Camara to seal victory for the visitors. 'I think it was a game that was very instructive,' Nabi told SABC Sport. 'We came up with a lot of answers in terms of what we have been doing (in pre-season) and what we need to do going forward. It was a positive performance overall. 'We had opportunities to win the game during the 90 minutes, and during the penalties, but we missed them. We wanted to offer our supporters victory and finish the day with joy. But penalties are unpredictable.' Chiefs certainly gave an improved display on Saturday compared to their 4-0 hammering in the Toyota Cup by Tanzanian side Young Africans last year. Following on from a pre-season in the Netherlands, they may well have been taken aback by a poor, bumpy surface in Durban, especially compared to the smooth pitches they played on in Europe. Even with this situation, Chiefs still put up a decent showing, especially in the second half, when they really should have seen off Kotoko with the opportunities they created. 'The right direction' 'I am very positive we are going in the right direction,' added Nabi, whose side will play their first Betway Premiership match of the new season against Stellenbosch on August 10. ALSO READ: Portsmouth snap up Bafana midfielder 'We have done the physical work. Now we are in the last two weeks of the pre-season. We know our negative points. It is very important for us to look where the problems are honestly, and at where the quality is. We can then push to improve the quality and correct the negative points.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store