Seema turns to SuperSport's academy roots as Siwelele build begins
Image: Backpagepix
The revival of Bloemfontein football rests firmly on the shoulders of former SuperSport United youth products, as Siwelele FC head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has put his faith in development ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign.
The recently rebranded club — formed after the purchase of SuperSport's Premiership status — is a bold attempt to return elite football to the Free State. But logistical and administrative delays have meant a temporary relocation to Gauteng, leaving Seema with more headaches than home comforts.
Still, the 45-year-old is pushing ahead with preparations as Siwelele get ready to host Manqoba Mngqithi's Golden Arrows in their season opener on Saturday night (kick-off 8pm).
Speaking at the league launch on Tuesday, Seema didn't shy away from the challenges of assembling a new squad during an uncertain pre-season, which has seen a revolving door of trialists and fresh faces come through the club's gates.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: The fixtures for the 2025/2026 #BetwayPrem season have been announced.
All the matches will be LIVE on SuperSport 📺#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/5ix7yY8rAy — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 1, 2025
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'I was not fully charged with the process of assessing trialists, I was more concerned about the time, so the coaches that were at the club administered that,' said Seema.
Yet amid the instability, Seema has chosen to anchor the rebuild around players developed under SuperSport United's renowned academy system — long regarded as one of the most consistent pipelines of talent in South African football.
'SuperSport was one of the teams that had a very good development so the players I found there, I was happy to give them an opportunity,' he said.
Many of the players retained may not be household names yet, but Seema believes in their readiness.
'We don't call them youngsters anymore because some of them have a season in the top flight. I call them experienced and they call me crazy.'
Among those expected to feature prominently are Neo Rapoo and Aphiwe Baliti, with Seema praising their potential and maturity.
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