Orlando Pirates' Lebone Seema celebrates his goal against Richards Bay in a recent Betway Premiership match.
Image: Backpagepix
Lebone Seema has been one of the cornerstones behind Orlando Pirates’ title charge, with his contributions including helping goalkeeper Sipho Chaine etch his name into the history books this season.
Pirates need only one win from their last two Betway Premiership matches against Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and Orbit College FC at Mbombela Stadium on May 23 to win the title and end a 14-year drought.
The fuel behind Pirates’ strong campaign has been a balance between a lethal attack and a solid defence. They have scored 56 goals – a club best – and conceded only 12 goals in 28 matches.
While Chaine has deservedly received plaudits for his impressive form in goal, which has seen him keep 19 clean sheets – a PSL-era record so far – his defence has also been crucial to that setup.
Seema has been a notable contributor. The former TS Galaxy defender has fitted seamlessly into Pirates’ backline, forming a strong partnership with Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the first half of the season and Nkosinathi Sibisi in the second half. He has made 26 league appearances and scored two goals.
Whether his performances will catch the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, especially with Siyabonga Ngezana still working his way back to full fitness after an injury sustained after Afcon, remains to be seen.
Former Bafana defender and Pirates legend Siyabonga Sangweni has advised the 23-year-old not to lose confidence if he misses out on the World Cup squad, but to continue working hard, including helping Pirates win the league and Chaine add more clean sheets.
“Not that I am discouraging the boy, but he must wait for his opportunity,” Sangweni exclusively told Independent Media. “He must just continue working hard.
“If the coach doesn’t call him now, it means he hasn’t caught his attention yet. But we are seeing his hard work from the sidelines. He’s coming along well because he’s been the rock behind our solid defence.”