Lebone Seema backed for Bafana Bafana future by Abdeslam Ouaddou

Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Lebone Seema can become one of the leading defenders for both Orlando Pirates and South Africa after the centre-back received his first Bafana Bafana call-up.

Seema was named the PSL Betway Premiership Player of the Season after an impressive debut campaign in Orlando Pirates’ defence. He formed effective partnerships with Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi as the club built one of the strongest defensive records in the league.

His contribution also helped goalkeeper Sipho Chaine set a new league record with 21 clean sheets, earning him the title of the “King of Clean Sheets”.

Seema’s performances have now been recognised at international level during the new era under Pitso Mosimane. South Africa are preparing for their 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, with the match against Guinea taking place at Orlando Stadium on Saturday and the Eritrea fixture at Al Salam Stadium on September 30.

Bafana Bafana will also face Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on October 4.

Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou welcomed Seema’s selection and said the player has the mentality needed to continue developing.

“I would like to congratulate him, and all the other players who are in the national teams,” Ouaddou said. “I would like to thank Pitso for calling him. That means that he was following his work from last season. He’s the future of South African football. We have talent in that position in South African football.

“I hope that this call-up will give him the confidence and motivation to continue working hard and grow. I am not surprised. He has a good mentality, and he’s professional. He’s coachable – that’s important for me.”

Ouaddou’s experience as a former centre-back has been particularly valuable to Seema. The Moroccan played in the French Ligue 1, the Greek Super League and the English Premier League before moving into coaching, and has used that knowledge to help refine Seema’s game at Pirates.

The coach has been encouraged by Seema’s willingness to respond to instruction and said the defender improved as the season progressed.

“To improve, you need to be coachable and understand what’s required of you. He’s starting to understand me now. Last season, I was really on him, but it was for his growth and performance,” Ouaddou explained.

“We spoke and trained a lot about the quality of his passes, his execution of short and long passes, and the battle in duels. Our technical staff and club are happy about his progress and the reflection of their work.”