Lehlohonolo Seema, who most recently helped Chippa United avoid relegation via the Premier Soccer League promotion play-offs, succeeds Mandla Ncikazi as coach at Golden Arrows.
DURBAN – Golden Arrows confirmed the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as their new head coach in a statement released via social media on Monday morning. The 41-year-old, who most recently helped Chippa United avoid relegation via the Premier Soccer League (PSL) promotion play-offs, succeeds Mandla Ncikazi as coach of the Durban-based club.
Ncikazi was rewarded for his impressive tactics by being roped in by Orlando Pirates.
“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lehlohonolo Seema as our new head coach. We wish him well in the position and look forward to the continuation of growth in the side,” said Arrows in a statement.
Seema, who hails from Lesotho, will have his work cut out next season if he wants Arrows to emulate the form that they showed under Ncikazi last season. Abafana Bes’thende surpassed expectations last season by finishing fourth in the league, ahead of more resourced teams.
He may also have to potentially prepare for a few departures of players who starred for the first team last season, who may be tempted by the prospect of attractive salaries with so-called “bigger clubs”.
Seema will also be looking to prove that he is not a journeyman tactician next season. In a rare sequence of events, he managed Chippa United over two stints last season. He started the 2020/21 season as coach of the Chilli Boys before leaving to join Black Leopards. After being sacked by Lidoda Duvha earlier this year, he returned to Gqeberha with Chippa United and helped them to avoid the drop via the play-offs.
If there is one thing that Arrows will get from Seema, it is experience in the South African top-flight. He has also managed Bloemfontein Celtic and spent the majority of his playing career in South Africa, having turned out for Celtic, Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces in his days as a defensive midfielder.
