BETWAY PREMIERSHIP LAUNCH | Seema turns to SuperSport’s academy roots as Siwelele build begins

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.

“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. 

He made it clear that the club is not just building for survival but for a long-term legacy back in Bloemfontein.

“Sometimes you don’t have to discard the young ones when you’re building something and we know the likes of (Neo) Rapoo and (Aphiwe) Baliti so we’re gonna give them a chance,” Seema added.

The club’s return to its spiritual home may still be some way off, but the intention is unmistakable.

“The target is making sure that the team is in there (top flight) in the next season when the team goes back to Bloemfontein so for now it’s to give the people of that city, a team in the Betway Premiership,” said Seema.

It may be early days for Siwelele FC, but their identity is already taking shape — one that leans heavily on youth, patience, and a coach willing to brave the storm for the sake of the Free State faithful.