Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema has been named in Pitso Mosimane’s first Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The 24-year-old’s selection follows a standout season where he was voted the Betway Premiership’s Defender of the Season.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou welcomed the news. "I thank Pitso for calling him," Ouaddou said. "It means that he had been following his work since last season." The Moroccan coach described Seema as a professional and coachable player, revealing he had been deliberately hard on the defender last term to push his performance.

Seema’s form has carried into the new campaign. He scored his second goal of the season in Orlando Pirates' 2-0 win over Durban City last Tuesday, a result that kept the side second in the Premier Soccer League. The club has 16 points from six games, with a goal difference of plus thirteen. This tactical refinement has been a key part of the defender's rise. "He’s the future of South Africa," Ouaddou added. "We have such talent in that position in South Africa."

The coach also expressed his hope that the national team experience will benefit the club, with Seema bringing back valuable insights. Seema is part of a group of newcomers in Mosimane’s squad, which also includes Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma. The call-up caps a remarkable period for Seema, who was instrumental in the team's recent defensive record.

Orlando Pirates' defensive solidity has been a foundation of their strong start, conceding just one league goal so far. The team's recent form reads four wins and a draw from their last five outings. Seema’s consistent performances at the back have been central to this run, which includes clean sheets against Sekhukhune United and Durban City. His progression from a promising talent to a national team contender shows the club's development pathway. Fans can track the squad's contributions on the club's stats page.

With the international break approaching, Seema will join the Bafana Bafana camp aiming to make his debut. His club will then prepare for their next fixture, an away match against 16th-placed Marumo Gallants on Sunday, a key phase in the title race as they sit four points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

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