Neo Maema set to return to Simba SC for 2026-27 season

Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Neo Maema is expected to rejoin Simba SC for the 2026-27 season, with the move likely to be completed in the coming days.

Maema spent the previous campaign on loan at Simba, where he enjoyed a successful spell in Tanzania. He initially joined the club after being persuaded by then-head coach Fadlu Davids.

Although Davids was later replaced by Steve Barker, Maema continued to make a strong impression at Simba. Sources have confirmed that the 2026/27 season is set to bring a return to the Tanzanian club, with Maema keen to work under Barker again.

Simba are aiming to challenge the dominance of Young Africans in Tanzania’s top flight, and Maema’s return would give them further continuity after his encouraging first season with the club.

The midfielder helped Simba win both of Tanzania’s domestic cup competitions last season. The club lifted the CRDB Bank Federation Cup as well as the Muungano Cup, adding to a campaign in which Maema’s role grew under Barker.

Maema was used intermittently during Davids’ time in charge, but became a regular selection after Barker took over. In total, he made 22 league appearances during the season.

His future became the subject of speculation after he returned to Mamelodi Sundowns during the current off-season. However, the latest indications are that he will be heading back to Simba rather than remaining with the South African club.

The move would see Maema continue his career in Tanzania as Simba prepare for the new Ligi Kuu Bara campaign. The league is scheduled to resume on 16 August.

Maema’s return is expected to be finalised shortly, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The story was written by Lorenz Kohler and was first published in the iDiski e-paper.