Revealed: Mamelodi Sundowns blocked Neo Maema’s summer to Kaizer Chiefs

Mamelodi Sundowns seized midfielder Neo Maema from joining fellow South African outfit Kaizer Chiefs in the summer transfer window.

The Brazilian had informed the 29-year-old midfielder to seek for a move from the club, having struggled for playing time last term.

Despite being linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, Maema, who made just 17 appearances for Sundowns last season surprisingly joined Tanzanian giants Simba SC on loan.

He joined his Sundowns teammate Rushwin De Rueck, who signed for the East African powerhouse in the same month.

According to the Citizen, Sundowns agreed that Maema needed a move, but not to another rival club in the Betway Premiership.

“Chiefs were definitely interested but Sundowns decided it was best for him to move to a different league rather than sell to their rivals,” a source close to the player revealed.

“The interest was not new, because they also enquired in January, but at that stage Sundowns were not willing to sell as they still wanted him for all the competitions they were playing in,” the source added.