Mamelodi Sundowns‘ Neo Maema has revealed that growing up, his household was divided during the Soweto derby.
His mother a loyal follower of Orlando Pirates, his dad a proud Kaizer Chiefs fan.
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After joining Kabo Yellow from Bloemfontein Celtic in July 2021, Maema proved his scoring prowess in Tshwane, scoring 13 goals and providing 14 assists in 120 appearances. Aware of the challenges of competing with Themba Zwane and Lucas Ribeiro for the attacking midfield role, both Chiefs and Pirates came for his signature.
“When I was growing up, my mom was and still is a big Pirates fan,” Maema said as quoted by Hollywoodbets. “She has always supported me whenever I am but has made it clear that whenever I play against Pirates, I must just know that she will choose Pirates but she will watch her son.
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“My father is a Kaizer Chiefs fan and we grew up choosing my father’s side. It is not a team that I hate – I don’t hate the team (Pirates), I’ve just never imagined myself playing for them, and one day if they come and offer me a contract, then I will say okay, let me try,” the 29-year-old added.
SIMBA SC IN TANZANIA
While many of his fans were expecting a blockbuster move to Naturena in August, Maema instead joined Simba SC on loan until the end of the season.
The Bloemfontein-born star is set to play his football on Africa’s biggest football stage this season., Maema has helped Simba into the CAF Champions League group stages, playing twice in four games. They’ve been drawn in Group D alongside Esperance, Stade Malien and Petro de Luanda.
His Sundowns deal is set to expire in June 2026.