Abdeslam Ouaddou hails Lebone Seema as the future of Bafana Bafana

Lebone Seema is quickly establishing himself as the future of South African football, possessing the technical foundation and mindset required to excel at the highest level.

Crowned the PSL Betway Premiership Player of the Season, Seema had a debut season to remember in Orlando Pirates’ central defence as he partnered both Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi with aplomb.

He didn’t shine alone. His work rate alongside his defensive teammates and the rest of the team saw goalkeeper Sipho Chaine bag an unprecedented record of 21 clean sheets in the league, earning him the undisputed crown as the “King of Clean Sheets”.

Seema’s exploits didn’t go unnoticed as he got his maiden Bafana Bafana call-up in the new era under Pitso Mosimane. The team is preparing for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday and at Al Salam Stadium on September 30, as well as an international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on October 4.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is pleased with the national team recognition, tipping Seema to be one of the best defenders for both club and country in the future.

“I would like to congratulate him, and all the other players who are in the national teams,” Ouaddou said. “I would like to thank Pitso for calling him. That means that he was following his work from last season. He’s the future of South African football. We have talent in that position in South African football.

“I hope that this call-up will give him the confidence and motivation to continue working hard and grow. I am not surprised. He has a good mentality, and he’s professional. He’s coachable – that’s important for me.”

Being coached by Ouaddou has been one of the best things to happen for Seema at Pirates. The Moroccan isn’t only an astute tactician, but he boasts a wealth of playing experience as a center-back following spells in French Ligue 1, the Greek Super League, and the English Premier League – experience that has helped Seema refine his game.

That eagerness to learn has impressed Ouaddou, who pointed to how Seema found his form as the season progressed.

“To improve, you need to be coachable and understand what’s required of you. He’s starting to understand me now. Last season, I was really on him, but it was for his growth and performance,” Ouaddou explained.

“We spoke and trained a lot about the quality of his passes, his execution of short and long passes, and the battle in duels. Our technical staff and club are happy about his progress and the reflection of their work.”