MASERU — Lesotho skipper Lehlohonolo Seema’s future with South African giants Orlando Pirates is uncertain as his contract runs out next month.
Seema, who turns 29 within a fortnight, is keen to extend his stay at the Soweto club he has captained in the last two seasons.
Lesotho’s star defender has been a Buccaneer since he moved from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2006.
Pirates chief executive officer Floyd Mbele this week said they were waiting for coach Ruud Krol’s recommendation before concluding a new deal with Seema.
Krol has indicated he might need to trim and overhaul his bloated squad which has watched Supersport United win the South African Premier League in the last two seasons.
Pirates finished a close second in the just-ended season.
“We are waiting for the recommendation from the coach,” Mbele was quoted as saying by the football news site Goal.com.
“We can’t negotiate and sign contracts when he hasn’t submitted his report yet.
“What if we sign a contract (with Seema) and the coach comes back and says to us he doesn’t need him for next season?
“We’re waiting for the coach’s technical report and we will take it from there.”
Although he was non-committal on Seema’s future with Pirates, Mbele told the Lesotho Times talks for a contract extension were underway.
“Yes, his contract with the team is expiring next month,” Mbele said in a telephone interview.
“What I can tell you is that there are ongoing negotiations between us on the renewal of his contract.”
Seema, who has been influential marshalling the Pirates defence when not injured, is on holiday and could not be reached for comment.
His coolness on and off the field has won him many admirers at Pirates.
The Mafeteng-born player joined South African football when he was signed by Bloemfontein Celtics from Bantu FC in 1998.
He also captained Celtics.
