Mudau, not Seema, deserved Defender of the Season, says ex-Orlando Pirates winger Sifiso Myeni

Former Orlando Pirates star Sifiso Myeni believes Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Khuliso Mudau should have been named 2025/26 Betway Premiership Defender of the Season ahead of Orlando Pirates centre-back Lebone Seema.

Seema claimed the award as part of a clean sweep of Betway Premiership individual honours by Pirates, who capped a dominant campaign with a treble – their first since the 2011/12 season. The defender was shortlisted alongside teammate Nkosinathi Sibisi and Sundowns’ Mudau.

Speaking after the awards, Myeni questioned whether the panel had truly rewarded the outstanding defender of the campaign, arguing that Mudau’s all-round contribution and international profile gave him the edge.

Myeni questions verdict

“I’m happy with the nominees, but I’m skeptical about the winner. I think Khuliso has done so much. The people who were nominated with him are centre-backs. Sometimes it’s difficult to have someone who plays in the right-back position, who can assist, who goes forward,” Myeni said on the Omni Audio Africa YouTube channel.

Mudau, a regular at right-back for Sundowns, missed out despite another high-profile season domestically and with Bafana Bafana. In contrast, Seema, 23, has yet to break into the national team picture, despite his central role in Pirates’ success.

Myeni stressed that his criticism was not aimed at Seema’s performances, but at what he felt was an under-appreciation of Mudau’s impact from full-back.

“I would have given it to him, also given his work rate and what he does going forward. If they were all centre-backs, I would have given it to Seema, but because of the position Khuliso plays – helping going forward and helping coming back – I think he deserved it,” Myeni continued.

National-team factor

Myeni also highlighted Mudau’s standing with Bafana Bafana as a key consideration in judging the country’s leading defender.

“Also, he went to the World Cup. I know people will say the World Cup is not everything, because Seema didn’t go, but sometimes it plays a bigger role. If you are the Defender of the Season, you have to be in the national team, that’s my view,” he added.

While Seema has emerged as a cornerstone of the Pirates backline, his form has not yet translated into selection for Bafana Bafana. The centre-back was overlooked for both the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with overseas-based pair Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya preferred in defence.

Mudau, by contrast, has been a consistent presence in recent national-team squads, featuring at the World Cup and reinforcing his reputation as one of South Africa’s most reliable defenders in the right-back role.

Pirates turn focus to new season

Despite the debate around the award, Pirates will look to build on their treble-winning campaign when they open the new season this weekend.

The Soweto side begin their title defence against Milford on Saturday afternoon at Orlando Amstel Arena, with Seema expected to be central to their plans as they seek to maintain domestic dominance after sweeping the major honours last term.