Simba SC agree loan deal with Mamelodi Sundowns for Neo Maema

Tanzanian giants Simba SC have agreed a deal with Mamelodi Sundowns to bring midfielder Neo Maema back to the club on loan for another season.

The agreement follows lengthy negotiations between the two clubs and will see the 30-year-old return to Simba as they prepare for the new campaign.

Maema was an important figure in Simba’s successful previous season. The Tanzanian side finished second in the NBC Premier League and also lifted two domestic cups.

His return will provide further continuity for a team that has already begun preparations for the start of the new season. Maema is expected to join up with Simba as early as next week.

However, the midfielder could miss the Community Cup, which is scheduled to take place in six days against Simba’s arch-rivals Young Africans.

The match will come before Maema is expected to complete his return to the Tanzanian club, meaning he may not be available for one of the first significant fixtures of the new campaign.

Maema previously represented Simba during the club’s strong domestic season and played a major role in helping them finish second in the league while securing two cup successes. His performances contributed to his importance within the squad, prompting the club to pursue another temporary move from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder will become the latest South African player in Simba’s squad. He joins fellow South Africans Keletso Makgalwa and Rushine De Reuck, as well as head coach Steve Barker.

The agreement still represents a significant addition for Simba as they look to build on last season’s achievements. The club will begin the new campaign having finished runners-up in the NBC Premier League, despite collecting two domestic trophies.

Maema’s move remains a loan transfer, with the midfielder set to spend another season with Simba after the clubs concluded their discussions. The deal ends a period of uncertainty caused by the extended negotiations between Simba SC and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Simba are now preparing for Maema’s arrival, with next week identified as the earliest point at which he could join the squad. His possible absence from the Community Cup means the club may have to wait slightly longer before seeing him involved in competitive action again.

The fixture against Young Africans is due to be played in six days and will be one of the first tests of the new season for Simba. Maema’s availability for that match will depend on the timing of his return and the completion of the loan arrangements.

The midfielder’s return strengthens Simba’s South African contingent and gives the club a player who already knows the team after his influential contribution during the previous campaign.