Following the 1–1 draw with Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership, Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema has made a big call on the Buccaneers’ title chances.
Siwelele left the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto with a point after taking a first-half lead through former Bucs star Vincent Pule.
The Soweto giants equalised through Tshepang Moremi in the second half but could not find another goal to keep their title push firmly on track. Saturday’s result means Pirates sit on 48 points, while Mamelodi Sundowns are just one point behind with a game in hand.
Interestingly, the setback comes at a time when Masandawana are at their peak form. The defending Betway Premiership champions have now won seven consecutive league matches.
Their next assignment is against Marumo Gallants on Tuesday, and a victory would see them move two points ahead of Pirates and return to the top of the table. Nonetheless, Seema, a former Pirates captain, believes his old club still has what it takes to push the title race right to the end this season.
WHAT DID SEEMA SAY ABOUT THE TITLE RACE
“Pirates are a good team, and I think they will push until the last game to challenge for the title,” said Seema during a SuperSport TV post-match interview.
Meanwhile, the result leaves Siwelele in 11th place with 10 games remaining. Seema reiterated they were using this season to strengthen the team’s foundation. The former Lesotho international took over the reins at the start of the season after Siwelele purchased SuperSport United’s status.
“Let’s get to 30 points, so that the season can finish. Come next season, we will build a new team that will challenge better in Jozi [Gauteng teams].”
He also spoke about giving chances to young talents, as he tries “to manage the players” and keep them all sharp and hungry. 19-year-old Bohlale Ngwato came on as a substitute and played the last 20 minutes of the game. Another teenager, 18-year-old Manelisi Mazibuko, also came on late in the game.
“For the youngsters, our DDC team has done very well, so I was telling them to celebrate with our supporters after this fight – when or lose, we are together. So, if they are doing well, I will put them in, and they did well, I think.”
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