Neo Maema opens up on life in Tanzania and blocking out the critics

Bafana Bafana international Neo Maema has issued a rallying cry to his Simba SC teammates, urging the Tanzanian giants to fix their sights firmly on reclaiming the league title after five seasons of playing second fiddle.

Maema, who joined the Wekundu wa Msimbazi at the start of the campaign on a high-profile loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, is determined to see the club break the domestic stranglehold currently held by arch-rivals Young Africans (Yanga).

Neo Maema On The Fight for the Summit

While the 30-year-old midfielder has largely been utilised as an impact player from the bench, his optimism remains unshaken. Simba currently trail Yanga by eight points but hold a crucial game in hand—a margin Maema believes is surmountable.

“I am happy to see that the team is moving in the right direction to compete,” Maema told journalists in Dar es Salaam. “Not only to compete, but to win the league. That is what we want, and that is what we will fight for.”

The 22-time Tanzanian champions have endured a barren half-decade as Yanga dominated the trophy cabinet, but Neo Maema insists the tide is turning. He credits the club’s passionate supporters for providing the “energy” needed to fuel their title charge.

“The fans pride themselves on this club doing well. I am happy to see things panning out for the team. It is important to make them happy because when they attend matches, we feel that energy on the pitch. They must continue to support us, and the club will deliver for them.”

Blocking Out the Noise

Adapting to the high-pressure environment of East African football often comes with intense scrutiny. However, the former Bloemfontein Celtic star revealed he has developed a thick skin regarding media criticism.

“I don’t listen to the media. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I respect that. But personally, I don’t like listening to the noise too much, especially immediately after a match. My focus is strictly on my game and the team’s objectives.”