Siwelele FC head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has thrown his weight behind the club’s young talent as the Free State’s latest football rebirth takes centre stage in the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.
The newly rebranded side – established following the purchase of SuperSport United's Premiership status – is on a mission to restore elite football to the heart of the Free State.
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As they prepare to host Golden Arrows under the lights on Saturday night, Seema has already outlined his blueprint for the club: build from within, trust in youth, and blend energy with experience.
Speaking at the official launch of the new season on Tuesday, the former Bloemfontein Celtic defender made it clear that development is not just a slogan at Siwelele – it’s a central part of their identity.
“I was more worried about time when I got here,” said Seema, speaking to journalists.
“But SuperSport was one of the clubs that had a good development system, and the talent I found here, I was happy to have a look at them and give them an opportunity.”
Seema dismissed the idea that youth equates to inexperience, especially with some of the players having already competed in the top flight last season.
“You don’t call them young stars anymore – some of them have a season behind them in the Premier League,” he explained.
“So, I call them experienced players. Sometimes when you build a new thing, you don’t have to discard the young ones, especially when there’s good talent in the team.”
Among those mentioned was promising talent Neo Rapoo, who is expected to play a key role in Seema’s plans.
“There are nice players that played here before, and I had to make sure I give them an opportunity. There’s nothing wrong with the players that were here. But in football, you have to make decisions and choices that help the team.”
With only two weeks to work with the squad so far, Seema admitted that time has not been on his side, but he is encouraged by the response from the players.
“I've only gone two weeks with this club, but I’m happy with the way we are. The progress is clear. The players are willing to work, to defend, and to receive – that shows commitment. Whatever results come this weekend, I won’t use the time frame as an excuse.”
While speculation around new signings continues to swirl, Seema remained measured in his response to transfer talk.
“The club will make an announcement in due course. At the moment, about 90% of the players training with us are the ones we’re looking at, but nothing is final yet,” he confirmed.
“You might still see one or two more coming. We're still looking. We're still analysing.”
Seema emphasised the importance of finding the right mix in the squad as Siwelele look to entertain their returning fan base.
“We’re trying to make sure we get a strong team with a mixture of experience and youth. The supporters want a team that will be exciting – young players with energy who can match the energy in the stands.”
Despite the short time frame, Seema seemed confident about the shape of the squad so far.
“In terms of numbers, we’re fine with the squad. Like I said, we’re not in a rush. We want to make the right calls.”
As for the club’s leadership, the coach gave a thumbs-up to the current structure and expressed confidence in the collaboration behind the scenes.
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“I’m happy with all my bosses. It’s a good thing that we have someone experienced alongside someone new to the team – the mixture is very good,” he said.
“Hopefully, we can make them happy with the results,” the tactician concluded.
Siwelele FC’s first challenge of the new era comes this weekend, with Manqoba Mngqithi’s Golden Arrows visiting in what promises to be a high-stakes curtain-raiser at 8pm on Saturday night.
