Sekhukhune United coach Lehlohonolo Seema has outlined the club’s transformation plans, which could open doors for more youth academy players to see first-team action.
Seema recognises the challenging economic climate and sees his role as promoting young talent from the club’s academy. This strategy can save the club significant money on transfer fees.
Babina Noko earned automatic promotion to the top-flight in 2021 after winning the NFD [now Motsepe Foundation Championship]. Ahead of its debut season in the DStv Premiership, the club bolstered its squad with the likes of Justin Shonga, Willard Katsande, Thabo Rakhale, Edwin Gyimah, Talent Chawapiwa, Nyiko Mobbie, among others.
In the past two seasons, they acquired the services of high-profile players like Linda Mntambo, Daniel Cardoso, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Philani Zulu, Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya, Jammie Webber and several others.
According to Seema, the Limpopo outfit’s first three seasons in the top-flight were all about maintaining stability following the club’s promotion to the top-flight. The team is taking an exciting new approach to player recruitment.
Seema indicates a focus on developing talent from within their youth structures, prioritising potential over established names. In less than six months since his appointment, the former Bloemfontein Celtic gaffer has already afforded opportunities to the club’s youngsters such as Asekho Tiwani, Keletso Sifama and Cameron Carnell.
LEHLOHONOLO SEEMA DISCUSSES SEKHUKHUNE UNITED’S NEW APPROACH IN PLAYER RECRUITMENT
“The team had to be stabilised and at that time they had to get the experience and the well-seasoned players, fortunately some of them that were not contracted just to make sure that the team survived,” said Lehlohonolo Seema.
“And now, we’re looking for a long-term and trying to balance. And definitely we’re going to have a look.
“I can tell you that here and there you will see some youngsters that will come but we can’t shoot ourselves in the foot and take everybody out and say, ‘now that we’re starting afresh, we’re going to use the youngsters only’.
“Experience is very key that is why when I saw people mentioning the age of the players that we have at Sekhukhune, they even say your captain [Linda Mntambo] looks like he’s gone, [Kamohelo] Mokotjo is gone.
“Look, when you want to have stability in the team, those are the kind of players you need…
“In South Africa it’s very rare that you see a 36-year-old being signed. I did that with [Ndumiso] Mabena at Polokwane City. And he played well, it’s just that we had a short spell because I left but as long as you know how you can use players within the structure, that’s what is important.
“That’s the route we’re taking, that’s for sure. You will see a lot of youngsters, a lot of unknown [players] at Sekhukhune because we’re trying to build for future and the team that can sustain us long.
‘SOMETIMES YOU MUST BALANCE THE BOOKS’
“SuperSport is a team that used to win cups, they might be struggling at the moment and not getting results here and there. But watch that team after two years or next season, it will be a better team because the players they have there… I promise you.
“It’s not nice to not win games but with coach Gavin Hunt, they’re in the right direction. That team is gonna be there for long after phased out and sold and the club makes money with the players they have.
“So, sometimes you have to balance the books especially with the teams that don’t have sponsors. So, you have to help the management also and understand that if they know they want…you must balance the books.”
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