Neo Maema delighted with Simba goal after slow start to life in Tanzania

The 30-year-old former Bloemfontein Celtic attacker joined the Red Lions this season after leaving Betway Premiership side Mamelodi Sundowns.

He has been largely used as a substitute, unlike fellow South African Rushine De Reuck, who has been a regular under current Simba head coach Steve Barker.

But he started in the 3-0 win against TRA United on Sunday and netted a free-kick before being substituted.

Speaking after the game, the player told the club's website: "I haven't been playing that much, so obviously the game was a bit difficult for me when it comes to physical capacity.

"It was a bit difficult for me because I haven't been playing so much. So I knew that I was going to come off. But I told the coach I would come off after the free kick because I wanted to take it. By God's grace, I scored. But I knew I was going to score."

Simba are currently in second place on the Tanzanian Premier League standings with 31 points from 14 games - seven adrift of league leaders Young Africans, but with two games in hand.

"It's always important for every player to contribute, especially in the business end of the season," added Maema.

“We have to come together, as attacking players, we have to continue to assist, and we have to score goals. 

"That's the pressure that we have to put on ourselves. I am happy that I got my first league goal. There is obviously more to come because I feel good and it's nice to be on the pitch.”