Head coach of the newly formed team, Siwelele FC, Lehlohonolo Seema, has admitted that the team has experienced its fair share of struggles since the start of the season.

Seema explained that the side has battled several obstacles since purchasing SuperSport United’s Premiership status, noting that the transition from Matsatsantsa to their new home in the Free State came with considerable upheaval.

The move placed Siwelele in a province that already welcomed another relocated outfit, Marumo Gallants, who made the shift last season.

Seema believes the team’s early inconsistency was driven largely by a mental block, admitting that a lack of victories created pressure and affected confidence within the squad.

“We had to work a lot on mental toughness and to make sure that they believe in themselves because the team was low in confidence,” said Seema.

“It has been a long time since they won the game and it’s a team that when they were playing, they would play not to lose but also not to hurt the opponents also.

“We had to work on that and make sure that when we play, we get goals and win matches.

“You can’t blame them if you haven’t been winning for the long time. You make sure that you salvage what you have but that’s not how a football [match] is won.

“We’re a team that, when you check stats, we have had a lot of possession in our games, and we take the game to the opponents. So, we want to play without fear, and we stand a chance to win the matches.

“So, it’s work in progress, the mentality that we had when we started is slowly breaking down. Sooner or later, we will get it right and will win one or two, three or even five in a row.”

On the pitch, Siwelele have completed 15 league fixtures, producing a mixed set of results. Their record of four wins, four draws, and seven defeats reflects a side still adapting to new surroundings and expectations.