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 club level 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.
Seema's inclusion in the national team has been widely anticipated after he was named Defender of the Season following his performances for Pirates. Lekgwathi believes that the call-up is a deserved reward for Seema's consistency since arriving at the Buccaneers. "It's a well-deserved call-up for Seema, of course, he is the current Defender of the Season, so some might say it's long overdue because he's been very consistent for a person just in his second season with Pirates."
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 believes that this familiarity could prove valuable for Bafana. "Unfortunately, coach Hugo didn't pick him and Sibisi when he was still here, but a combination and connection like that is something that Bafana could build on."
For Mosimane, the international window provides an opportunity to assess the defensive options available to him as he begins his second spell in charge of Bafana. The coach has selected a mixture of experienced internationals and younger players, with Seema among those hoping to establish themselves in the national-team setup. This will allow Mosimane to test different combinations and evaluate the team's performance.
Bafana begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26 before travelling to Egypt to face Eritrea on September 30. They will then face Egypt in a friendly on October 4. With three matches scheduled, Mosimane will have an opportunity to test different combinations, including whether the existing understanding between Seema and Sibisi at Pirates can translate to the international stage.
Lekgwathi's suggestion to utilize the defensive partnership between Seema and Sibisi comes as Mosimane prepares to make his second spell in charge of Bafana. The coach has been making selections based on the players' current form and experience. Seema's inclusion in the squad is a testament to his hard work and consistency at club level.
The upcoming international window will provide Mosimane with valuable insights into the team's performance and help him make informed decisions about the team's future. The coach will be looking to build on the existing strengths of the team and identify areas for improvement. The partnership between Seema and Sibisi will be one of the key factors to watch in the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Lekgwathi believes that the existing understanding between Seema and Sibisi at club level could prove valuable for Bafana at international level.
- Seema's inclusion in the national team has been widely anticipated after he was named Defender of the Season following his performances for Pirates.
- Mosimane will have an opportunity to test different combinations, including whether the existing understanding between Seema and Sibisi at Pirates can translate to the international stage.
