TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi has made a strong case for Lebone Seema, explaining why the Orlando Pirates defender deserves a chance in the Bafana Bafana squad.
Seema has quickly won the hearts of Pirates fans with his solid performances at the centre-back position under the leadership of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The defender is in his maiden season at the Soweto giants after signing with the club at the start of the current Betway Premiership season from Galaxy, as a little-known player. Seema joined Pirates with big names such as Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, and his former teammate at Galaxy, Kamogelo Sebelebele.
Seema is one of the new signings who raised their hands at Pirates after the club won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles in the first round of the 2025/26 season. And the 23-year-old has continued to grow into one of the reliable defenders in the PSL, as Pirates are in a fierce race against Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title.
Seema has been a mainstay for the Sea Robbers this season, racking up 32 appearances across all competitions and chipping in with two league goals. The highly-rated defender is a cornerstone of a rock-solid backline that has conceded just 11 goals in 25 Premiership matches—the best defensive record in the league.
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This puts Pirates ahead of title rivals Sundowns [12 goals conceded] and Kaizer Chiefs [14). Backed by this defensive resilience, the Buccaneers currently sit at the summit of the log with 58 points, having secured 18 wins, four draws, and only three defeats.
Despite a string of mature performances for the Buccaneers, Seema remains a notable omission from Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squads. The Belgian tactician has consistently favoured the likes of Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, and Ime Okon to fill the right-sided centre-back role.
However, his former employer, Tim Sukazi, contends that Seema’s consistent form warrants a national team call-up from Hugo Broos, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
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“Lebone has done fantastically well. [As a] TS Galaxy alumnus, I think he is making the country proud. He’s one of them [ex-Galaxy stars doing well], and I think he counts amongst those who came through the club ranks,” Sukazi said.
“In my view, he deserves a look-in; it’s tough in the back four of the national team, especially in the central defensive pairing, but should the opportunity arise, I think he will surprise the coaches. He’s got the athleticism, he’s fast, strong, and he has the never-say-die attitude.
“These are the type of players you’d want to see in the national team. So, in my view, he deserves at least a look-in. Whether he makes a good impression, obviously, is in the eyes of the beholder, but a look-in will be fair given what he has shown this season [at Pirates].”
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