Siwelele FC coach Seema: ‘Mosimane paid for me’

South Africa’s Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema has credited his career to serial CAF Champions League winner Pitso Mosimane.

In an interview with the Bloemfontein-based club’s media, the former Orlando Pirates captain recalled how the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns mentor contributed to his coaching career.

“Everybody associated me with football, and when I was still contemplating how and where in football I could be, Pitso Mosimane, I will forever be grateful to him,” Seema said speaking in final episode of Coach’s Corner.

“He was still coaching Bafana Bafana, and he said all the players that were about to retire or had retired and wanted to go into coaching, [he will pay for them]. He paid for all of us to do our first coaching badge. We went on and I got my first certificate.”

How Mosimane kick-started Seema’s career

The former Lesotho international has become an established coach in the Premier Soccer League. His first job in the elite ranks was with Bloemfontein Celtic FC (now defunct). The former defender’s coaching career has since taken him to Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, Chippa United and Sekhukhune United.

On the other hand, Jingles, as Mosimane is also known, launched his coaching career at Super Sport United. He eventually assumed the role of Bafana Bafana assistant to Carlos Perreira. Mosimane went on to take charge of South Africa national team before picking Sundowns’ job.

The award-winning PSL coach revived the then sleeping Pretoria-based giant turning them into an all- conquering entity, including winning the 2016 CAF Champions League title. It remains the only continental league championship for the big spenders.

Mosimane left for Egypt to manage Al Ahly where he added two more CAF Champions League titles between 2020 and 2022. Since that time, the 61-year-old has managed teams in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iran.

The former Al Ahly manager is now coachless, but there is talk that he might reunite with Sundowns, as the future of the incumbent Miguel Cardoso remains uncertain.