Lebone Seema inspired by Mbekezeli Mbokazi as Orlando Pirates defender targets World Cup dream
Young defender Lebone Seema has been a revelation at Soweto giants Orlando Pirates after completing the move from TS Galaxy ahead of the season.
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Orlando Pirates’ Lebone Seema has been inspired by former teammate and defensive partner Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who recently completed a move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
The 22-year-old Seema joined the club from TS Galaxy ahead of the current season and quickly formed a strong partnership at the back with the 20-year-old.
With the pair anchoring defence, Pirates played with authority, keeping several clean sheets as they ended the first half of the campaign as the Betway Premiership’s top side.
Mbokazi has since moved on, leaving Seema to adjust to a new central defensive partnership alongside club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi. While wishing his former partner well, Seema says Mbokazi’s rapid rise has become a source of motivation as he looks to push his own career forward.
Mbokazi only made his senior debut for Pirates last year but soon established himself as a first-team regular, earning the attention of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos and a chance at international football. In his second season, he was appointed vice-captain and stepped into a leadership role when Sibisi was sidelined through injury.
“For me, it’s motivation to keep on working and focus on my game,” Seema said, according to iDiskiTimes. “He’s a very good person who just wants to work hard.”
With Bafana Bafana back at the World Cup, Seema revealed that he is also setting his sights on a place in the national squad for the tournament.
“It’s something I’m looking at. I think it’s a dream for every player in the PSL to be there,” he was quoted as saying by KickOff.
“It’s something I’m aiming towards. I just have to keep on playing well.”
Seema knows that consistency and resilience will be key, but Mbokazi’s swift progression has shown what is possible at Pirates. Now tasked with establishing himself alongside Sibisi, the young defender is determined to seize the opportunity, believing that strong performances for Ezimnyama ngenkani can keep his World Cup ambitions firmly within reach.
IOL Sport