The transfer window is often filled with excitement, speculation, and unexpected twists — and the case of Neo Maema perfectly captures that drama. The 28-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the most sought-after names in South African football in recent months, following confirmation that Mamelodi Sundowns were open to releasing him.
Clubs lined up to express interest, with Kaizer Chiefs strongly linked and Siwelele FC — the newly established club seen as the spiritual revival of Bloemfontein Celtic — making a determined push for his signature.
Ultimately, Maema chose to take his talents beyond South African borders, completing a move to Simba SC in Tanzania, where he has already made an impact. But Siwelele head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has now lifted the lid on what really happened behind the scenes and why the move failed to materialise.
Sundowns vs Lupopo: A Rare First for the Brazilians as CAF Champions League Returns
Neo Maema: A Player in High Demand
When reports emerged that Sundowns were willing to part ways with Maema, either on loan or permanently, several clubs immediately threw their names into the hat.
Maema’s talent is undeniable — his vision, left foot, versatility, and ability to unlock stubborn defences have made him one of the most technically gifted attacking midfielders in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Kaizer Chiefs Enter the Race
Kaizer Chiefs were among the first to make a formal approach. The player himself confirmed to Soccer Laduma that Amakhosi had presented an offer. With Chiefs undergoing a rebuilding phase and desperately needing creativity in the final third, Maema seemed a perfect fit.
Siwelele FC Make a Strong Case
Siwelele FC — widely viewed as the spiritual rebirth of Bloemfontein Celtic following its dissolution — saw Maema as a symbolic signing.
Born in Bloemfontein and previously developed in the Celtic system, Maema returning home would have been a powerful statement both for the club and its passionate supporters.
For many, the deal looked almost complete. But football is unpredictable, and behind the scenes, negotiations are seldom straightforward.
Seema Speaks: “It’s Not as Easy as People Think”
In an exclusive interview with KICK OFF in the November edition, Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema, a former Celtic captain and respected figure in Free State football, clarified what transpired during their pursuit of Maema.
Seema explained that while there was genuine interest, circumstances beyond their control prevented the move from happening.
“Just because a player played for me or for Celtic doesn’t mean we will sign him,” Seema said. “We have a great team, great players. But Maema is definitely a player we wanted.”
He went on to emphasize the midfielder’s quality and the serious effort made to secure him:
“Any coach would take Maema any day. We all see his quality. Yes, I wanted him to come to Siwelele. We had talks and pushed for the move, but it didn’t materialise.”
In the end, Maema chose a different path — one that took him out of South Africa entirely.
Simba SC Win the Race
Neo Maema signed for Simba SC, one of Tanzania’s biggest and most successful clubs. The move marked a fresh chapter for the midfielder, who now joins a team regularly involved in CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup competitions.
Seema expressed no bitterness, only admiration and pride:
“Eventually, he went to Simba in Tanzania, which is a great team. I’m happy to see that he is doing well. He’s already scored his first goal!”
The Siwelele coach even left the door open for a future reunion:
“So, eish… maybe one day we can bring him home.”
Zambia Make Late Call-Up for Sekhukhune United Star Toaster Nsabata Ahead of Bafana Bafana Clash
Why the Deal Fell Through: Factors Behind the Missed Transfer
While Seema didn’t offer explicit detail about what blocked the move, several contributing factors can be identified:
1. Financial Muscle of Simba SC
Simba are one of the wealthiest clubs in East Africa. Their financial resources exceed that of most PSL clubs outside the Big Three. For a player like Maema, the salary package, bonuses, and international exposure would have been compelling.
2. Sporting Ambition
Competing in continental tournaments offers players a bigger stage. Maema, entering the prime years of his career, likely viewed the move as a chance to elevate his profile.
3. Siwelele’s Rebuilding Phase
As a newly formed club, Siwelele is still structuring its squad, finances, and operations. That transition period may have made it difficult to compete aggressively in the transfer market.
4. Sundowns’ Final Decision
Certain details linked to transfer fees, loan terms, or conditions from Sundowns may also have influenced the outcome.
Together, these factors likely tipped the scales in Simba SC’s favour.
Seema’s Appreciation for Maema’s Talent
Throughout the interview, Seema’s admiration for Maema was clear. Having coached the player during their Celtic days, Seema knows better than most what the midfielder brings to a squad.
Maema’s intelligence in possession, ability to drift between lines, and natural creativity make him a rare commodity in South African football. Seema reiterated that any coach would welcome Maema because:
-
He is technically gifted
-
He has PSL experience
-
He understands tactical systems well
-
He contributes goals and assists
-
He elevates the overall attacking dynamic of a team
Maema’s early success in Tanzania, including scoring his first goal shortly after arriving, only reinforces Seema’s belief in the player’s quality.
Despite the Missed Signing, Siwelele Find Their Footing
While missing out on Maema was undoubtedly a blow, Siwelele FC have shown strong signs of progress under Seema.
Current League Position
The club currently sits 10th on the DStv Premiership log, with:
-
4 wins
-
Several strong performances
-
A run of positive results in recent fixtures
Recent Form
Siwelele have lost just one of their last four matches, winning three and drawing one.
This marks a notable improvement and highlights Seema’s steady influence on the squad.
Building a Competitive Squad
Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, Seema has:
-
Focused on developing the current squad
-
Integrated new signings effectively
-
Built a strong team spirit
-
Improved defensive stability
-
Encouraged expressive attacking football
Siwelele may still be in their early stages as a club, but they are already showing that they can compete, build momentum, and grow their identity.
What Maema Would Have Brought to Siwelele
Had the deal materialised, Neo Maema would have offered:
1. Creativity in the Final Third
Siwelele have struggled at times to unlock compact defensive blocks. Maema’s ability to thread passes, switch play, or drive at defenders would have offered new solutions.
2. Set-Piece Quality
His left foot makes him a dangerous option for free-kicks, corners, and long-range shots.
3. Experience
Maema’s PSL background, including time at Sundowns, would have boosted leadership within the squad.
4. Local Connection
A homecoming would have strengthened Siwelele’s connection with their fan base and added emotional resonance to the club’s identity.
His absence means Siwelele must continue to build creatively with the talent currently available — something Seema is already doing effectively.
Looking Ahead: Will Maema Return Home One Day?
Seema’s parting words suggest that the chapter between Maema and Siwelele is not entirely closed.
“Maybe one day we can bring him home,” Seema said, leaving fans hopeful that a future reunion is still possible.
Much will depend on Maema’s success in Tanzania. If he continues to excel, the midfielder may attract attention from bigger African clubs or even European scouts. However, football careers often circle back to meaningful places — and Bloemfontein is where it all began for him.
A Missed Signing, but a Growing Project
While Siwelele FC missed out on one of South Africa’s finest left-footed midfielders, the club remains on a promising path. Under Lehlohonolo Seema, the team is improving, stabilising, and gaining momentum in the league.
Maema’s move to Simba SC is not a failure for Siwelele — instead, it is a reminder of how competitive African football has become and how far South African clubs must go to secure top talent.
For now, both parties continue their journeys apart — Maema shining in Tanzania and Siwelele building a new legacy under a coach who understands the heart and soul of Free State football.
But as Seema hinted, the story isn’t over. And football has a way of bringing people home.
Hugo Broos Explains Why Shandre Campbell’s Time with Bafana Bafana Must Wait
About the Author
