Lehlohonolo Seema savours Bloem return

By Mazola Molefe
10th August 2025

Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema says they’ve cleared their first big hurdle after opening with a 3-1 win over Golden Arrows at a packed Dr Molemela Stadium.

Following the club’s takeover of SuperSport United, all eyes were on Seema to see how he would manage the transition with a blend of youth and experience.

Their pre-season was far from smooth, with Seema only taking charge two weeks before their Betway Premiership opener.

He also shared the team talk he delivered ahead of their much-anticipated return to Mangaung.

"I'm so happy with this start. I need to thank the chairman because he is the one who afforded me the opportunity and entrusted me with this project.

"The atmosphere was like I never left this place, I know the culture of Siwelele, which is why I said to the players that we cannot afford to disappoint the people of Bloemfontein.

"Siwelele is back!"

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Seema says he knew which buttons to press in the short time he had ahead of welcoming Golden Arrows.

"I focused on the crucial things that we had to work on because I've only been with the guys for 2 weeks.

"They know football, so we just had to find a way to boost their confidence, whilst providing a tactical structure for them to follow. Football is a process, so we will get better and learn a lot as we go."

Seema added that Siwelele are still searching for their identity, and the coach also pointed out that there will be no excuses because they are in a result-driven environment.