Bloemfontein football supporters, who are also known for holding sports close to their heart, will be pleased to have two football clubs that are participating in the Betway Premiership for 2025/26 season.
Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality will have an opportunity to host a Bloemfontein derby that will have a significant positive impact on the municipality. This impact is multifaceted, encompassing economic growth, community engagement, and regional development.
Hosting matches, especially derbies, brings in visitors from outside Mangaung, boosting local tourism and driving spending in hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
This week, Marumo Gallants FC President, Dr. Abram Sello, had an opportunity to welcome Siwelele FC Chairman Calvin Lee John and his team to the City of Roses.
“With the new season ahead, both clubs share the excitement of growing football in Bloemfontein and giving fans a thrilling experience.”
Bloemfontein is ready to be great again – the beautiful game is alive.”
Siwelele Football Club announced that it will use Lucas Moripe Stadium as their home ground venue for the 2025/26 Season.
Meanwhile, Siwelele FC has appointed Lehlohonolo Seema as the new head coach for the upcoming Betway Premiership season.
Seema was announced on Sunday, 20 July, by Siwelele, who recently acquired the top-flight status of SuperSport United. He will work with Andre Arendse serving as the assistant coach while Grant Johnson will be the goalkeeper coach.The experienced coach Seema is returning to the Premiership after parting ways with Sekhukhune United earlier this year. Eric Tinkler replaced Seema at Babina Noko and guided the team to a top-four finish on the league table.
Seema has been entrusted with the big responsibility of leading Siwelele as they aim to push big clubs in contention for major trophies.
The Lesotho-born coach has vast experience in South African football after coaching teams such as Chippa United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Polokwane City FC, and Sekhukhune.
In his new role at Siwelele, Seema will have Andre Arendse serving as the assistant coach while Grant Johnson will be the goalkeeper coach.
With Siwelele preparing for their maiden season in the South African elite league, Seema has revealed that his mandate is to avoid relegation.
“I’m happy to be back home. I know this is Siwelele FC and not Bloemfontein Celtic because you will hear songs that don’t have Bloemfontein Celtic but Siwelele,” Seema told Robert Marawa on MSW.
“For next season, we don’t want to see ourselves in the relegation dogfight. Those were the exact words of the chairman [Calvin Le John]. What happened last season in the league with SuperSport United must not happen.“
That is the first mandate. People have been asking about my mandate, so the mandate is to make sure that even after next season, Siwelele are still in the league. We’re here to stay.”
Siwelele will kick off their new season with a league match against Golden Arrows at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, 09 August.
