Arrows confirm Seema as new coach
GOLDEN Arrows confirmed the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as their new coach yesterday.
The 41-year-old, who most recently helped Chippa United avoid relegation via the Premier Soccer League play-offs, succeeds Mandla Ncikazi as coach of the Durban-based club. Ncikazi was rewarded for his impressive tactics by being roped in by Orlando Pirates.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as our new head coach. We wish him well in the position and look forward to the continuation of growth in the side,” said Arrows in a statement.
Seema, who hails from Lesotho, will have his work cut out for him next season if he wants Arrows to emulate the form that they showed under Ncikazi last term.
Abafana Bes’thende surpassed expectations last season by finishing fourth in the Premiership ahead of more well-resourced teams.
He may also have to potentially prepare for a few departures of players who starred for the first team last season that may be tempted by the prospect of attractive salaries with so-called “bigger clubs”.
Seema will also be looking to prove that he is not a journeyman. In a rare sequence of events, he coached Chippa in two stints last season. He started the 2020/21 season as coach of Chippa before leaving to join Black Leopards. After being sacked by Leopards earlier this year, he returned to Gqeberha with Chippa and helped them avoid the drop.
If there is one thing that Arrows will get from Seema, it is experience in the top flight. He has also managed Bloemfontein Celtic and spent the majority of his playing career in South Africa, turning out for Celtic, Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces as a defensive midfielder.