The club have endured a difficult start to the 2026/27 campaign and, after five rounds of league action, find themselves down in 14th position. While there is still plenty of football to be played, Siwelele are yet to taste victory, having suffered three defeats and played to two draws.

The poor run has prompted the club to take decisive action, with head coach Lehlohonolo Seema and his assistant, Willem Jackson, relieved of their duties.

The legendary former Bloemfontein Celtic captain and coach Lehlohonolo Seema has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect - Morgan Piek

The decision came barely 24 hours after Siwelele’s 3-2 defeat to Kaizer Chiefs in Soweto. To be fair to Seema, the fixture was moved from Bloemfontein to Soweto because of the Currie Cup semi-final between the Toyota Cheetahs and the Pumas, which was staged in the city.

The timing of the decision is particularly striking, with Siwelele due to face African champions Mamelodi Sundowns in Pretoria on Wednesday in another daunting assignment.

It is understood that the club’s top brass had lost faith in the former Bloemfontein Celtic captain’s ability to deliver the desired performances and results on the field.

The decision has understandably sparked mixed reactions, particularly given that it comes just five matches into a new season. Siwelele are also in the process of rebuilding, with several of their key players from last season departing for other clubs.

In a statement released by the club and chairman Calvin le John, Siwelele confirmed that Godfrey Mosoetsa will take charge of the first team as caretaker coach with immediate effect.

“Following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 season, Siwelele FC has relieved Head Coach Lehlohonolo Seema and Assistant Coach Willem Jackson of their first-team duties while the club conducts a review of the senior team’s performance and technical programme.

Lehlohonolo Seema during the Siwelele FC launch in Bloemfontein in 2025 - Morgan Piek

“Godfrey Mosoetsa will assume responsibility for the first team as Caretaker Coach with immediate effect.

“This has been a challenging period for the club, and our supporters deserve better than what they have seen so far this season. Our belief in this team, in our players and in what we are building at Siwelele remains unchanged.

“This is a moment to stand together, to work harder and to embody the spirit that defines this club: courage, unity and fighting for one another. Our season is still young. We will face the challenge in front of us together, as one team and one family.

Lehlohonolo Seema after Siwelele FC beat Marumo Gallants in the first-ever Bloemfontein derby - Morgan Piek

“The club will make a further announcement on the coaching approach for the remainder of the season once the review has been concluded. We will not be commenting further while that process is under way.

“Siwelele sa Masele. Together, we rise.”

Mosoetsa will have little time to settle into his new role, with Siwelele facing the daunting task of taking on the Brazilians on Wednesday evening.

The match at Loftus Versfeld is scheduled to kick off at 19:30, with Mosoetsa immediately thrown into the deep end as he looks to breathe new life into a struggling Siwelele side.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport