Fadlu Davids is rapidly shaping his new era at Raja Club Athletic, and the South African coach appears to be turning to a trusted compatriot to inject the required spark into the Moroccan giants’ attack.
Reports strongly suggest that Davids is actively pursuing a reunion with creative midfielder Neo Maema.
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Davids, who rejoined Raja earlier this season following his tenure with Tanzanian club Simba SC, is reportedly eager to build his squad around players who already grasp his tactical philosophy—and the former Mamelodi Sundowns player fits that precise profile.
A Proven Partnership for the Botola Pro
The connection between the two men is brief but fruitful: they worked together at Simba SC, where the 28-year-old Maema greatly impressed Davids with his creativity, composure, and ability to operate effectively in the final third.
According to Africa Foot, Maema currently tops Davids’ reinforcement shortlist. The coach is determined to add flair and dynamism to the attack as Raja prepares for the second half of the Botola Pro Inwi 1 campaign.
The intent is clear: to secure a player who can immediately execute Davids’ vision on the pitch.
Raja Club President Jawad Ziyat has since confirmed the club’s interest, stating that Maema is among several high-profile names being considered to strengthen the squad.
Davids’ preference for South African talent is well-established. During his time at Simba, he made a point of recruiting both Maema and defender Rushine De Reuck, demonstrating his trust in their ability to implement his progressive, possession-based football style.
Bringing Maema to Casablanca would be a significant coup, not only providing a much-needed creative boost to Raja’s midfield but also successfully re-establishing a working partnership that previously thrived under Davids’ tactical system.
If negotiations are successful, this move would powerfully underline Davids’ intent to blend trusted international experience with local talent as he seeks to guide Raja back to domestic dominance and continental relevance.
Davids Left Disappointed After Goalless Casablanca Derby
Davids’ urgency to bolster the attack comes directly into focus following Raja Club Athletic’s goalless draw against fierce rivals Wydad Athletic Club in the intense Casablanca Derby.
Raja CA entered the match with high confidence, riding a strong start to the Botola Pro season and a significant derby streak, having not lost to Wydad since October 2022.
Despite the positive build-up, the final result left the head coach visibly frustrated. Davids’ side created numerous opportunities, particularly in the first half, but the recurring issue of failing to convert chances ultimately cost them the win.
While the team can take pride in their defensive solidity—they kept another clean sheet and have now conceded only one goal in their last six matches—Davids remained disappointed with the overall performance.
The draw underscores the gap Davids sees between his team’s defensive reliability and their attacking efficiency, making the pursuit of a proven finisher and creator like Neo Maema a top priority.