Bafana Bafana attacking midfielder Neo Maema put in a man of the match display with a stupendous goal as Simba SC hammered Mlandege FC 3-0 in the Muungano Cup at Amaan Stadium on Sunday.
The 30-year-old, who is currently on a season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, has found a new lease of life in Tanzania.
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Under the stewardship of astute South African coach Steve Barker and former teammate Rushine De Reuck, Maema started and played the entire 90 minutes, just his fourth appearance this term as he slowly racks up minutes under his belt.
The Reds of Msimbazi drew first blood in the 65th minute via Selemani Mwalimu before Anicet Oura made it 2-0 in the 76th minute.
Maema then put the match to bed netting the winner in the 89th minute as they progressed into the next round where they will face rivals Young Africans on Wednesday, 29 April.
Speaking to the Simba media after the match, Maema hailed his team’s preparations ahead of the tie and expressed joy at bagging his first goal for the club.
“I think it was a tough game for us in the first 20 minutes because they came with a game plan just how we analysed them,” he said.
“They had a line of six at the back, so it was difficult for us to penetrate.
“But we knew that we had to be patient and make sure that we move them, and going into the halftime with 0-0 we know that it’s gonna need character not only talent on the pitch.
“But, more fight from us. I’m happy the boys upped the game in the second half because we knew that they gonna get tired.
“Because I’m just happy with the game plan, how we executed it from the coaches, and yeah, we can only carry on from here.
“I think it’s more on what we do on the training pitch. We always put ourselves under pressure as offensive players to continue to help the strikers.
“And, also help the team to score more goals.
“And I’m happy to get the goal. Those are my things. I’m happy that today [Sunday] I could score a beautiful goal.”
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