Dar es Salaam. As Simba SC continue shaping their squad for the 2026/27 season, South African midfielder Neo Maema remains firmly in head coach Steve Barker’s plans despite the expiry of his loan spell, while striker Seleman Mwalimu has returned to Dar es Salaam as part of the process of rejoining his parent club, Wydad Athletic Club.
Maema joined Simba on loan last season and quickly established himself as one of the club’s most influential midfielders, providing balance in both attack and defence.
His performances convinced the club that he still has an important role to play, with efforts continuing to retain him for another campaign.
Within Simba’s technical bench, there is confidence that Maema’s experience, composure and ability to perform in high-pressure matches make him one of the key players capable of strengthening competition for places in midfield.
Speaking from the club’s pre-season camp in Kigali, Rwanda, Barker said preparations were progressing well despite the squad not yet being complete, with Maema among the players still expected to join the team.
“We are pleased with the players we have signed to strengthen the squad. We are still waiting for one or two players, including Neo Maema, whom we expect to join us soon. Overall, preparations are going well, although there is still plenty of work to do before the season begins,” Barker said.
The coach’s remarks underline Simba’s determination to retain Maema, but the situation differs significantly from that of Mwalimu, whose future remains dependent on decisions at his parent club.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Mwalimu’s loan agreement with Wydad Athletic Club officially expired at the end of last season.
Under FIFA transfer regulations, he is required to report back to the Moroccan club before any discussions over another loan move can be concluded.
The same sources indicate that Simba remain interested in keeping the forward for another season, but the process can only continue after Wydad’s new technical staff have assessed him during pre-season.
“There is no dispute between Simba and Wydad. It is simply a matter of following the proper procedure.
The player must first report back to his club, be assessed by the new coach, and only then can discussions continue.
Simba are still interested in keeping him, but the final decision does not rest with one party alone,” the source explained.
It is understood that Wydad’s new coaching staff want to evaluate Mwalimu before deciding whether he will remain in the squad, be loaned out again or become available for a permanent transfer.
The situation mirrors what happened with Maema.
After his loan deal expired, Simba sought special permission from his parent club to allow him to feature in the club’s final CRDB Federation Cup match against Azam FC.
Once that match had been played, he returned to Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa before fresh negotiations over another loan began.
Mwalimu’s case has followed a different path.
He has already left Simba’s training camp in Kigali and travelled back to Dar es Salaam, with the next step expected to be his return to Wydad before any further talks over another loan spell can take place.
For now, Simba continue their preparations through the CECAFA Kagame Cup in Rwanda as Barker finalises his squad ahead of Simba Day on August 8, 2026 and the Community Shield clash against rivals Yanga, with Maema expected to remain part of the club’s plans for the new season.
