MASERU — Lesotho captain Lehlohonolo Seema has secured a one-year loan move to South African Premier League side Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Seema’s future at South African giants Orlando Pirates had increasingly become doubtful after he sat out the whole of last season because of injuries.
Any prospects that he would fight back into the team in the coming season were dampened when Pirates completed the signing of central defender Thando Mdluli from Bidvest Wits last week.
Seema, 30, however told the Lesotho Times yesterday that he was relieved he had secured the move.
“I’m happy for the move,” he said. “The important thing was to get some game time. Now my aim is to help the team do well this season.”
The tough-tackling defender was a consistent performer in the South African top-flight league since he joined Bloemfontein Celtics from his hometown team Bantu in 1998.
He joined Pirates in 2006 and made his debut against English side Manchester United in a Vodacom Challenge match.
His performances at the heart of the Buccaneers’ central defence earned him the club captaincy in 2007.
However, over the past two seasons he was unlucky with injuries.
Seema said he was going to work hard to pin down a starting place at his new team.
“I’m ready to work hard,” Seema said.
“Obviously I’m not going to walk into the Mpumalanga Black Aces team.
“It will be tough but I’m up for the challenge.”
He began training with his new team-mates on Monday and Seema said he had received a warm welcome.
The recently promoted Black Aces have been busy on the transfer market as they seek to mount a strong campaign in the Premier League.
Besides Seema, the side has already signed players such as Francis Chansa, Bongani Twala and Joseph Henyekane.
