Lehlohonolo Seema has been officially named head coach of the newly acquired Siwelele FC. “From us, to you. We’re proud to announce Lehlohonolo Seema as the new Head Coach of Siwelele Football Club. A new chapter begins,” read a post on the club’s official X account.
Seema has been out of a job since parting ways with Sekhukhune United at the beginning of March. He was replaced by Eric Tinkler, who was axed by Cape Town City FC.
He appeared to be a natural fit for the club, which businessman Calvin Lee John, the son of Sports Minister Gayton Mackenzie, recently acquired. John’s goal is to revive the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, affectionately known as Siwelele. He purchased SuperSport United’s status with the hope of restoring the club’s glorious legacy.
Seema’s deep-rooted connection to the historic Bloemfontein Celtic made him an ideal choice. Born in Lesotho, he dedicated eight years to playing for Siwelele before moving to Orlando Pirates. Later, he also served as the team’s coach and is cherished by the Bloemfontein community.
Siwelele first approached Rulani Mokwena, who declined the offer. They also considered Shaun Bartlett and Calvin Johnson, but ultimately appointed Seema. Although the club will initially operate from Gauteng, plans are in place to relocate it to the Free State in the future.
SEEMA’S FIRST ASSIGNMENT WITH SIWELELE
Seema starts preparing the team this week with a friendly match against Orbit College. When the season starts on the weekend of July 9, they will play their home fixtures at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, the traditional home of SuperSport United.
The ‘newcomers’ will start the season with a home match against Golden Arrows on Saturday, August 9. Three days later, they will travel to Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium in Rustenburg.
Following that, they will return to their home ground in Atteridgeville to face Polokwane City FC on 19 August. A week later, they will head to Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. Their fifth fixture of the season takes place on 29 August, a home game against Richards Bay FC.
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