By: Mpho Sekharume
In a move that has sent ripples of concern through the Mamelodi Sundowns fanbase, the club officially announced the departure of Neo Maema this morning.
The confirmation comes after weeks of speculation and arrives just as the 29-year-old talented midfielder reminded everyone of his immense value with a stellar performance at the ongoing CHAN tournament. Maema’s recent brace against Guinea, which subsequently earned him man-of-the-match honours, served as a poignant final act in the yellow and blue.
The creative midfielder’s ability to link up play and produce moments of magic is undeniable, making his exit a difficult pill for many to swallow.
Over his four-year stint at the club, Maema made 120 appearances, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists. His time at Sundowns was highly successful, contributing to four league titles, a Nedbank Cup, an MTN 8 trophy, and an African Football League title.
The news of Maema’s exit closely followed the official announcement of the departure of Thembinkosi Lorch on Thursday. Lorch, who spent the last season on loan with Moroccan club Wydad AC, is also a confirmed exit.
This brings the total number of players certainly leaving the club to four, including the rumoured departures of star forward Lucas Ribeiro and fan-favourite right-back Khuliso Mudau.
While the club’s stated goal of "downsizing" is understandable given their large and talented roster, the timing and execution of these moves are a cause for concern. Sundowns’ consistently congested schedule, which included the recent 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, highlights the need for a large and deep squad to combat player fatigue and maintain momentum across all competitions.
The uncalculated disposal of players of Maema and Lorch’s calibre, just as they demonstrate their class on an international stage, feels like a significant gamble. In an era where the Brazilians have set the standard for domestic football, the departure of core players could signal a shift, and fans will be watching closely to see if the new-look squad can maintain the same level of excellence.
