Lekgwathi backs Lebone Seema for overdue Bafana Bafana call-up

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes defender Lebone Seema has done enough to earn his first Bafana Bafana call-up and says the 23-year-old must remain patient while waiting for his opportunity.

Lekgwathi was speaking at the official Betway Clubhouse launch this week, where he praised Seema’s development and impact since joining Orlando Pirates.

The defender enjoyed an outstanding first season in Buccaneers colours after moving from TS Galaxy, collecting the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season award for his performances.

Seema has continued that form into the current campaign. He was named Man of the Match after helping Pirates beat Chippa United 3-0 on Sunday, and also scored during the victory.

Lekgwathi, who spent 14 years with Pirates and remains a highly respected figure at the club’s Mayfair base, believes Seema’s performances should now be recognised at international level.

“From last season, he is defined as the best of the season; he must lead by example and show it was not a fluke,” Lekgwathi told journalists.

“I’m so proud of the boy; every day he is improving.”

Seema’s partnership with Nkosinathi Sibisi has also impressed Lekgwathi, who feels the cohesion across the Pirates defence has been an important part of the team’s performances.

“His combination with [Nkosinathi] Sibisi, and the whole defence, is working. For me, I think they must complete all the defenders.”

Although Seema was not selected by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, Lekgwathi said the defender had already done enough to be considered, including during his award-winning debut season.

“For me, I think he deserves a call-up for Bafana, not only now; even last season he showed. Looking at last season, he showed.”

The former Pirates captain urged Seema not to become frustrated while waiting for his chance, saying the defender would need to be ready when the opportunity arrived.

“He must just be patient; his time will come because some things we don’t need to rush. You have to have patience.”

“When that chance comes, he must just grab it with both hands.”

“He is a top defender.”

Seema’s international prospects could change with Bafana Bafana expected to begin a new chapter under a different coach. Broos did not select him, but the national team is set to have a new head coach to guide the side through the World Cup qualifiers.

The South African Football Association is expected to appoint Pitso Mosimane, a three-time CAF Champions League winner, as Bafana Bafana’s head coach.

For now, Seema’s focus remains on maintaining the level that earned him the Betway Premiership Defender of the Season award and produced his Man of the Match display against Chippa United. His performances have strengthened the case made by Lekgwathi, who believes the defender’s opportunity with the national team is overdue rather than premature.