Seema praises focus as Siwelele take local derby rivalry

Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema praised his players’ focus and composure as they secured a 1-0 win over neighbours Marumo Gallants in the Bloemfontein derby on Sunday.

The result eased pressure on Siwelele, securing only their second win of the season after enduring a seven-game winless run. Seema’s men had begun the campaign in flying fashion with a convincing 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows at their traditional stronghold, the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Since then, however, their season has taken a dip both on and off the field. Since acquiring the status from Supersport United, the club has had to take all measures necessary to stay afloat this season, including travelling long distances to matches on the team bus. 

Club chairman Calvin Le John has also publicly stated that players lacking commitment to the club will be released as the club continues to stabilise its structures.

Although now based in Gauteng for at least the next season, Siwelele have had to compromise, with some of their home fixtures — such as the derby — still staged in Bloemfontein. 

One of their boldest moves in recent weeks was the signing of former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa, who Seema will hope he will provide the goals they have sorely lacked.

A result on the field had become a necessity. Following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Pirates last week, signs of improvement were visible, and against Gallants the team finally delivered. Seema, a former Pirates defender, stressed that his side simply had to get the result, by any means necessary.

“Credit must go to the players because it’s not easy to be where we are,” Seema told Supersport after the match.

“The expectations of the people you see here are pressure on their own. But the way the players were playing, it wasn’t about playing good football for the fans to clap.

“It was a derby, it was very tense, and the game was won by only one goal. After scoring, we had to defend with everything we had. Marumo gave us a tough game but I am happy we got two things today — a clean sheet and a goal.”

Siwelele have struggled in front of goal this season, but Tebogo Potsane’s first-half strike gave them a valuable breakthrough. Still, Seema admits the work is far from over.

“The goals have been eluding us for long, but we know where we are and we are not getting carried away. For now, we will focus on where our bread is buttered — the Betway Premiership,” he explained.

“Tactically, we didn’t apply ourselves the way we wanted in the first half, especially in midfield. We needed to press them tighter, but we gave them too much space.

“The way they finished the game was how we expected them to start — with balls played behind our lines. It’s work in progress. There are people who have been cooking, but I am still watering the seeds. These guys will need to be mentally strong, and it’s a process.”