Sekhukhune United head coach Lehlohonolo Seema. Picture: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
Matshelane Mamabolo
Lehlohonolo Seema did his best to contain his excitement at his side’s impressive display in knocking Cape Town City out of the Nedbank Cup on Monday.
Try as he might to downplay the team's dominant performance, the glint in his eye gave the Sekhukhune United coach away – he loved what he saw and deep inside, he was purring like the cat that has just got the milk.
Ba Bina Noko were buzzing at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium as Katlego Otladisa and Relebogile Mokhuoane scored second-half goals that put the 2023 finalists into the round of 16.
Seema was glad that his team managed to play as well as they did, especially following their 1-0 defeat by Kaizer Chiefs last weekend.
“Last week showed that you can lose a match and get beaten at any time” Seema explained.
“It wasn’t easy (the loss to Chiefs), but the positive thing was that we all agreed that we did not have a good game last week. So, going forward, we take it one game at a time.
“We have not played 15 games (in the Betway Premiership) yet, but winning becomes a habit, and the players’ confidence grows, which then gives us, the technical team, the chance to play the other players who are new or the ones returning from injuries.
On the performance against City, Seema purred when he spoke of Otladisa’s goal – a superb strike from outside the box that he smashed on the turn, leaving the visitors’ debutant goalkeeper Ayanda Sithole with no chance.
“What a goal!
“He was playing on the left where Keletso (Makgalwa) normally plays, and if he plays like that, he is showing Keletso what he can do coming from that side. I think the young man can still do more.”
Seema was also delighted that a number of his players were in fine form that night.
“I am happy for Otladisa. And Relebogile in midfield was outstanding, too. There were a lot of players who did well tonight.
“I am not surprised we had the kind of performances with five or six players on song.
“It’s a good sign because Otladisa knows he has to work hard because Keletso is waiting to come back on, Vusi (Vusumzi Mncube) is waiting, Tshepo (Mokoena) is also waiting.
“(Njabulo) Ngcobo is recovering well, too. We are trying to create competition, and it looks like we are managing to do just that.”
The delight of having progressed into the last 16 and being fourth on the table is not leading Seema to get carried away. Far from it, for he knows the campaign is fraught with challenges ahead.
“Let’s remain humble because there’s still a long way to go. We have to take it one game at a time.”
The next game for Seema and his Sekhukhune is away to Stellenbosch on Saturday.
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