Siwelele FC Season Preview: Star player, weakness, good season, predicted finish

The Betway Premiership welcomes a new name this season, but the faces on the pitch will be strikingly familiar. Siwelele FC are the latest club to join South Africa's top flight after purchasing the status of SuperSport United. 

While they may be considered the new kids on the block, their story is one of transformation rather than creation.

The club's new owner, Calvin Le’John, has not only rebranded the team but has also orchestrated a significant relocation, moving the franchise to Bloemfontein. 

This move signals the return of top-tier football to the Free State capital, a city that has yearned for it since the demise of Bloemfontein Celtic. The team will play the majority of its home fixtures at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium, a venue they will share with Marumo Gallants.

In a move that ensures a degree of operational stability, most of the players from the SuperSport United roster have remained with the club. Crucially, key administrative staff, including long-serving CEO Stanley Matthews, have also stayed on board to guide the transition.

New Leadership on the Sidelines

While the players are familiar, the coaching hierarchy has been restructured. Andre Arendse, who saw out last season as interim coach for Matsatsantsa following Gavin Hunt's departure, will remain a key figure on the bench. 

However, he will do so as an assistant coach. The head coach role has been handed to Lehlohonolo Seema, who is now tasked with shaping the club's new identity.

Siwelele's Star Player

The man expected to lead the charge for this newly-formed side is Vincent Pule. After a respectable first season with SuperSport following his move from Orlando Pirates, Pule now finds himself back in his home province. 

The responsibility of carrying the hopes of the club and the region rests on his shoulders. The prospect of playing in front of family, friends, and a passionate home crowd could be the catalyst that ignites a fire in the talented attacker.

Addressing Last Season's Weaknesses

Coach Seema's primary challenge will be to rectify the issues that plagued the team last season. As SuperSport United, the squad often appeared scattered and disjointed, lacking the cohesion of a well-drilled unit. 

They frequently relied on moments of individual brilliance to win games, a strategy that proved unsustainable. This lack of teamwork contributed to a severe loss of confidence, which saw the team embroiled in a relegation battle, ultimately finishing a disappointing 14th.

Will it be a good season for Siwelele?

Realistically, the 2025/26 season will be about building, not contending for silverware. Known for his ability to steady the ship, Coach Seema is the ideal candidate to navigate these early stages. The immediate goal is to establish stability, reconnect with the vibrant Siwelele supporter base, and forge a new identity.

The club is already working to strengthen the squad, with several new faces currently training with the team. Notable names include former Orlando Pirates midfielder Xola Mlambo, experienced defender Buhle Mkhwanazi, and promising talents Kamohelo Mahlatsi and Jesse Donn.

Predicted Finish

While competing with the league's giants for trophies seems a step too far for now, a successful season for Siwelele FC would be marked by a strong, consistent showing. 

The biggest achievement they can aim for is a finish within the top eight. With the blend of existing talent and potential new recruits under Coach Seema's guidance, Siwelele is predicted to secure a respectable seventh-place finish.