Orlando Pirates are reportedly eyeing another star from Mamelodi Sundowns to join their ranks.
After already securing midfielder Sipho Mbule, who recently left Sundowns, the Buccaneers have now set their sights on Neo Maema. The 29-year-old midfielder only featured in eight league games last season and seems keen on a move to get more regular playing time.
Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is a big admirer of Maema, so it’s no surprise that his name has come up in transfer talks. According to Soccer Laduma, the Buccaneers actually showed interest in Maema even before signing Mbule.
An insider revealed, “Yes, the club is believed to have made enquiries about Maema. He was actually the first target, even before Sipho Mbule. But since he still has a year left on his contract with Sundowns, we’ll have to wait and see what happens next. Kaizer Chiefs are also reportedly interested.”
Another source added that Maema is likely considering a move to get more consistent minutes on the pitch, with both Pirates and Chiefs possible destinations.
“At the moment, it seems the player is looking to leave Sundowns to play regularly somewhere — whether that’s Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs will depend on which club truly needs him. But his main focus is simply to get regular game time,” the source told Soccer Laduma.
