On Sunday, the legendary Bloemfontein Celtic captain, Seema, was named as the new club’s first-ever coach after they bought the PSL status of SuperSport United and rebranded the team, with the aim of returning the famous Phunya Sele Sele culture to the City of Roses.

Last season, Marumo Gallants relocated to Bloemfontein, and while they enjoy a lot of support, Siwelele FC madness is taking the city by storm.

Lehlohonolo Seema and CEO Stan Matthews. Photo: Siwelele FC

While Siwelele FC is not Bloemfontein Celtic, the club has, in a matter of weeks, managed to generate a wave of excitement in Bloemfontein. The Phunya Sele Sele faithful have already thrown their weight behind the team – even though most of the home games will, for now at least, be played in Pretoria.

Seema, whose first head coach role was at Bloemfontein Celtic, told OFM Sport that just the thought of being back in the city where it all started for him – as both a player and a tactician – gives him goosebumps.

“It felt like being home again. The atmosphere on Sunday was incredible – even now, as I talk about it, I’m getting goosebumps,” said Seema.

“It was electrifying, and to be a part of history again feels amazing. I’m excited to return to where my professional journey as a player and coach began.

“Why not? If you’re given a chance, why not go back and give back? So yes, I’m excited.”

While it’s technically a new club, Seema added that the identity and culture built during the glory days of Celtic will quickly become part of the new team’s DNA. Despite the new name and ownership, the aim remains to restore something deeply meaningful to the loyal fans and to give back to the community.

“It’s not difficult – yes, it’s a new name, new owner, new songs, but if you look closely, the culture is still exactly the same,” Seema added.

Celtic’s number one fan, Botha Msila. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The owner who bought this team wanted it to be a club for the people of this city – to make sure the kids of Bloemfontein have a team in the Premier Soccer League. It’s also about ensuring the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge) can help take young people off the streets.

“It’s just a name, but the intentions are still the same – to help Bloemfontein become vibrant again through soccer.”

Although SuperSport United narrowly avoided the promotion-relegation playoffs, Seema is confident that Siwelele FC will be highly competitive in the new season. “I’m very, very confident. You’ll see a lot of young players. SuperSport had a strong development structure through their academy,” he said.

Neo Maema in action for Bafana Bafana against Egypt in Bloemfontein. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Of course, you need to blend that with experience, but I’m excited – and the players are excited too. We understand the task at hand.

“I’m confident that we’ll definitely do better than SuperSport did last season. We want to make sure we stay in the PSL and then transition to Bloemfontein full-time in the following season.”

The squad is yet to be officially announced, and the rumour mill is already in overdrive. There has been plenty of speculation about who will don the famous green-and-white strip this season. One name that keeps popping up is that of Bloemfontein-born-and-bred Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Neo Maema, who captained Bafana Bafana earlier this year in the CHAN qualifiers.

Jacky Motshegwa (left) against Kaizer Chiefs in the glory days of Bloemfontein Celtic. Photo: Morgan Piek

The former Celtic star would be a great fit for Siwelele, and while Seema played his cards close to his chest, he admitted that the club would love to bring the 29-year-old back home.

“Loan players are always a tricky one, but we’ll leave that to the CEO (Stan Matthews). He’ll let me know – but if Maema is available, we’d definitely be interested in having him onboard.

“He’d be a good signing – after all, he also started in Bloemfontein.”

Siwelele FC will make their debut in Bloemfontein on Sunday, 3 August, when they take on newly promoted Orbit College FC from Rustenburg in a pre-season warm-up match at the famous “Slaughterhouse” – the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg