In an exciting development for fans and players alike, Simba SC officially signed South African midfielder Neo Gift Maema from Mamelodi Sundowns. The club proudly announced the acquisition of the talented 29-year-old, who has made a name for himself in the African football landscape.
The signing comes shortly after Maema participated in the recently concluded CHAN2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, where he showcased his skills as a captain of the South African National Team, ‘Bafana Bafana’. His performance during the tournament was noteworthy, including a goal against Guinea and a key assist against Uganda.
As per the official statement released on Simba SC’s website, Maema has signed a one-year contract with the option for an additional year.
“We have completed the signing of attacking midfielder, Neo Maema from Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, on a one-year contract with an option to extend for another year,” the statement read.
The club anticipates that Maema’s expertise will be invaluable in both domestic league play and the continental scene, particularly given his experience in the African Champions League.
Before making his move to Mamelodi Sundowns, Maema played a pivotal role at Bloemfontein Celtic from 2018 to 2021, where he developed his skills and gained significant recognition. His transition to Simba SC marks a new chapter in his career, with hopes high for a fruitful season.
Maema’s delayed signing stems from his commitment to representing South Africa in the CHAN tournament, where Bafana Bafana competed in Group C in Uganda.
After the team’s early exit from CAHN2024, Maema has since travelled to Cairo to join his teammates as they gear up for the 2025/2026 season. The midfielder’s arrival at Simba SC is expected to bolster the squad’s attacking capabilities as they aim to make a significant impact in both local and international competitions.
With this signing, Simba SC expresses confidence in Maema’s ability to contribute to the team’s success, hoping to leverage his experience to challenge for titles in the upcoming season. Fans are eager to see the dynamic midfielder in action and look forward to the exciting performances he promises to bring to the pitch.