Seema, Mngqithi make contrasting admissions ahead of Betway Prem opener

Siwelele coach Lehlohonolo Seema and Golden Arrows mentor Manqoba Mngqithi have set their sights on different objectives ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, with the two sides preparing for battle at the Siesa Ramabodu Stadium on Saturday night.

Kick-off is at 8pm (CAT, GMT+2).

CURRENT FORM

Led by a consortium of Calvin Le John, the eldest son of South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, the club known as Siwelele was birthed after the aforementioned figure bought the status of SuperSport United at the end of the 2024/25 season.

According to reports, SSU’s PSL status was bought for R50 million, while the club will be located in the passionate football loving region of Bloemfontein.

The club will be spearheaded by Lehlohonolo Seema, a former Bloemfontein Celtic coach, who also spent time with Chippa United, Golden Arrows, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United.

While Siwelele will be making a fresh start in the PSL following their 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in a pre-season friendly behind closed doors earlier this week , Golden Arrows recently concluded their preparations with a 3-2 loss against AmaZulu on 26 July.

WHAT WAS SAID

Speaking ahead of the new campaign, Seema outlined that his main objective is to keep Siwelele in South Africa’s top flight.

“I must make sure that the team is there next season when the club goes back to Bloemfontein,” Seema said.

“I must try to make sure we give the Bloemfontein people a team in the Betway Premiership come the following season.”

Elsehwere, Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes that his side can pull off a few surprises this season.

“I am confident that they will bring back the excitement that used to come with Golden Arrows,” the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns coach said.

“I see this Arrows as a team that can spring a few if not a lot of good surprises because we have had a very good preseason.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Siwelele: Koketso Sekgodiso – Signed from Highbury FC ahead of the new campaign, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder will hope to make a lasting impression in the PSL. After rubbing shoulders with the best of the best in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, it’s believed that Siwelele was impressed by trickery and technical ability.

Arrows: Junior Dion – Much like that of Sekgodiso, Dion comes into the Arrows outfit as a newly signed player. After an underwhelming spell with AmaZulu last season, Dion will be keen on shining under the guidance of Mngqithi.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

N/A – This will be the first league meeting of Golden Arrows and Siwelele.