Former Ajax Cape Town star Mkhanyiseli Siwahla has revealed the mixed emotions surrounding his departure from Lerumo Lions, specifically how chairlady Sibongile Marokana reacted to his exit.
Siwahla recently returned to his boyhood club, Cape Town Spurs FC, where he has taken up the role of Under-18 assistant coach.
The 37-year-old served as a player-coach and team manager during Lerumo Lions’ stint in the SAFA North West ABC Motsepe League. At the start of the current campaign, the club acquired the Motsepe Foundation Championship franchise [status] of Pretoria Callies.
Demonstrating his dedication to the Lerumo project, Siwahla came out of retirement to guide the club to the 2025 Nedbank Cup Last 32. This U-turn for the winger came after he had hung up his boots upon returning to South Africa in March 2019 following a spell with Polish side KS Proch Pionki.
Siwahla’s solid working relationship with Marokana goes beyond the boardroom; he describes her as a long-time friend who supported him well before she even bought the club.
‘WE USED TO TALK ON THE PHONE WHEN I WAS STILL OVERSEAS’: SAYS SIWAHLA
“To be honest, I came out of retirement because of the loyalty that the chairlady showed me. I didn’t want to play football anymore, especially in South Africa,” stated Siwahla in his first interview with this publication last December.
“But she [the chairlady] came and convinced me otherwise, and that’s when I decided to give the little bit that I have to the team because she has been loyal to me. What made it easier [to change my mind] is that the chairlady of Lerumo Lions and I have been friends since before she could have a team. So, having a team has been a dream for her.
“I remember we used to talk on the phone when I was still overseas, and she said that when I returned to South Africa, she would buy a team and would like to work with me, and that’s how she became my boss.”
‘IT WASN’T A GOOD ONE’: MKHANYISELI SIWAHLA
Despite their close history, Siwahla admits that his decision to leave for the Urban Warriors didn’t sit well with Lerumo’s boss.
While Siwahla helped the club transition into the professional ranks, the former PSL star felt it was the right time to move on.
“To be honest, the parting wasn’t on good terms. She didn’t expect me to leave, and I know deep down there is still some lingering anger over my departure,” Siwahla told FARPost in an exclusive interview.
“But ultimately, I had to prioritise other things. I always told myself that once I saw the team reach the NFD or the Betway Premiership, I would move on. Having been in football for so long, I’ve seen a lot.
“I didn’t want to stay until they reached the Motsepe Foundation Championship for my own reasons—reasons that I prefer to keep to myself.”
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