Having acquired SuperSport United's PSL status and established a new club identity, Siwelele FC have begun the process of assembling their inaugural squad, with several high-profile targets emerging.
Insiders close to both players and club management have indicated that the Bloemfontein-based outfit has made formal inquiries about a Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder with strong ties to the region.
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Sources indicate that a return to the Free State capital could be on the cards for South African midfielder Neo Maema, who previously represented Bloemfontein Celtic before their PSL status was sold. This is if Siwelele are able to prize him away from the Brazilians.
"Some of the (former SuperSport United) players won't be there for Siwelele and that's why the club is looking at bringing in new players. There are players who have been going through trials and there are players that the technical team and management are scouting and Neo Maema is one of them. They have enquired from Sundowns and they are waiting to hear from them. But he is one of the targeted players," the insider told Soccer Laduma.
A second source stated that the potential move aligns with Sundowns' ongoing squad reduction strategy, suggesting the 29-year-old could be among the next wave of departures from Chloorkop. Though the Brazilians have not made a decision on Maema's situation yet.
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"It's believed that Sundowns are not yet done with their downsizing. They are still looking at different players after having already released some and at the moment Neo Maema could be one of them. But it's a decision Sundowns have to make on whether to loan him or release him permanently," the second insider revealed.
Maema joined the Brazilians from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2021 and has been an important contributor during his four years at the club. However, his playing time was reduced significantly last season, with just a few appearances across all competitions, though he remained in the national team picture as part of the South Africa CHAN squad that qualified for the finals.
Soccer Laduma contacted Sundowns and Siwelele FC on the situation but received no response at the time of going to press.
