Orlando Pirates duo hailed as PSL’s top defensive partnership

Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema, a former elite defender himself, has identified the strongest central defensive partnership currently operating in the Betway Premiership: Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Lebone Seema of Orlando Pirates.

Seema made the pronouncement at a press conference ahead of the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 match, where his current side will face his former club, the Buccaneers, at Orlando Stadium this Saturday.

“I think Orlando Pirates is a team that is always doing very well,” Seema told the media. “They’ve got a lot of quality players, and I think their scouting system is doing a good job because the kind of players they acquire… they fit exactly the style of play.”

The Siwelele coach, whose team recently lost 1-0 to Pirates, expects a high-speed match where the home side will make excellent use of the flanks.

Orlando Pirates’ Defensive Wall

Seema went on to highlight the defensive pairing of Mbokazi and Lebone Seema (no relation), claiming they are the key to the Buccaneers’ success this season.

“And maybe to mention the defence, the two centre-backs, I think at the moment they are the strongest centre-back pairing in the league. One of the strongest in the league,” Seema declared.

The statistics back the coach’s claim: the duo has been instrumental in securing an impressive eight clean sheets while marshalling a defence that has only conceded four goals in all competitions this season.

“They are making a difference, and hence, the team, when they go forward, they can go with fluidity because they know that defensively, I think that is where I can say that there’s a huge change,” he explained.

Despite praising the defense, Seema noted that Pirates’ attacking threat is highly unpredictable, with 23 goals scored by various players across 14 games. Key goal contributions have come from Tshegofatso Mabasa, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Kamogelo Sebelebele. Seema concluded by assuring that Siwelele will fight to secure a much-needed result this weekend.