Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has expressed his support for Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane to utilize the defensive partnership between Lebone Seema and Nkosinathi Sibisi at international level. Lekgwathi believes that the existing understanding between the two players from their time together at Orlando Pirates could prove valuable for Bafana. Seema was recently included in Mosimane's final squad for the upcoming international window, earning recognition after a consistent second season with Pirates.
Lekgwathi's endorsement of the defensive partnership comes after Seema's impressive performances for Pirates, which earned him the Defender of the Season award. Lekgwathi believes that Seema's call-up is a deserved reward for his consistency since arriving at the Buccaneers. Seema's inclusion has been widely anticipated, and Lekgwathi thinks that it is a well-deserved recognition of the defender's hard work.
Sibisi, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the experienced defenders in the national-team setup. This provides Mosimane with the option of pairing the two players who already understand each other from their time together at club level. Lekgwathi notes that a combination and connection like that is something that Bafana could build on, unfortunately, it was not utilized during his playing days.
Mosimane has selected a mixture of experienced internationals and younger players for the upcoming international window. The coach will have an opportunity to assess the defensive options available to him as he begins his second spell in charge of Bafana. With three matches scheduled, Mosimane will be able to test different combinations, including whether the existing understanding between Seema and Sibisi at Pirates can translate to the international stage.
Bafana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26. They will then travel to Egypt to face Eritrea on September 30, before facing Egypt in a friendly on October 4. These matches will provide Mosimane with a chance to evaluate his team's performance and make necessary adjustments.
Lekgwathi's comments highlight the importance of building on existing partnerships within the team. The former Orlando Pirates captain believes that this could be a key factor in Bafana's success. Mosimane will undoubtedly consider Lekgwathi's views as he prepares his team for the upcoming matches.
The international window provides an opportunity for Mosimane to assess his team's defensive options. The coach will be keen to see how Seema and Sibisi perform together on the international stage. Their partnership will be crucial in determining Bafana's chances of success in the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Lekgwathi believes that the existing understanding between Seema and Sibisi could prove valuable for Bafana.
- Seema's inclusion in the squad is a deserved reward for his consistency with Pirates.
- Mosimane will have an opportunity to test different defensive combinations during the upcoming international window.
