Neo Maema proposed Simba SC move hits snag

Foot Africa has established that Tanzanian giants Simba SC have been dealt with a major blow in their efforts to retain midfielder Neo Maema for the 2026/27 campaign.

The 30-year-old South Africa international spent the previous term on a season-long loan with the Reds of Msimbazi from Betway Premiership heavyweights Mamelodi Sundowns.

He made a total of 28 appearances for Simba across all competitions, including in the CAF Champions League, chipping in with three assists and two goals in the process.

Maema had a successful spell in East Africa as he won the Muungano Cup and the CRDB Bank Federation Cup under his compatriot and head coach Steve Barker.

The player returned to his parent club Sundowns upon the expiry of his loan spell in Tanzania, with the reigning African champions understood to retain an option in his deal.

Now, sources have informed this publication that Maema and Simba are at loggerheads over personal terms, with the player said to be holding out on a slightly higher package.

However, Barker is understood to be pushing for a deal to get over the line as he deems the player's continental experience and positive dressing room influence as crucial.

While the move has somewhat hit a snag, new round of talks are scheduled between the two parties in a bid to find common ground over another transfer to Simba SC.

On the other hand, Maema has been deemed surplus to requirements at Chloorkop as Miguel Cardoso has no intention of reintegrating the player into the star-studded squad.

Whether the former Bloemfontein Celtic talisman will complete another move to Tanzania remains to be seen amid long-standing interest from Betway Premiership teams.

Hlayisani Magoro

Editorfr, en

Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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