Siwelele FC Head Coach Lehlohonolo Seema has expressed strong confidence that on-loan Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Samkelo Zwane is on the verge of realizing his full potential during his stint with the club this season.
The 23-year-old product of the Amakhosi academy had a frustrating run in the Kaizer Chiefs first team, managing only 36 appearances across all competitions over three seasons.
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His temporary move to Siwelele this term was aimed at securing crucial playing minutes, and so far, he’s played three matches. This run includes his first start in the recent narrow 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout.
‘He’s Ready’: Seema Sees Positive Progress
Despite his newly formed team struggling for results, Seema emphasized that he is seeing encouraging development, particularly from the young loanee Zwane.
Speaking to FARPost after the match against Pirates, Seema explained that giving Zwane the starting nod was a deliberate choice that confirmed the player’s readiness:
“For me, starting him [against Pirates], it shows that he’s ready, and it’s not that he’s not there yet.”
Seema acknowledged that the main challenge with many of the players brought into the squad, including Zwane, is their lack of recent game time. He stated that the coaching staff is actively working on several aspects to get them up to speed:
“The challenge that we have with the players that we brought in is that they were not having enough game time. So now, we are working on a lot of aspects, that’s why we’re going to introduce them here and there.”
Focusing on Fitness and Decision-Making
The coach admitted that the rustiness from a lack of consistent playing time might result in temporary setbacks, but he remains certain of Zwane’s inherent ability:
“We’re going to be a few seconds slower in terms of decision-making and in terms of fight, but we know Zwane’s capabilities.”
Seema was quick to credit the support staff for their role in preparing the players for the demanding schedule, highlighting the importance of the conditioning program:
“So credit must also go to our conditioning department; those guys are working very hard.”
The timing of Zwane’s integration is particularly noteworthy, as Siwelele’s next fixture after the international break will be an emotional one—an away clash against his parent club, Kaizer Chiefs.
This will give Zwane a chance to showcase his growth directly against his former teammates, should he be available for selection.