Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema has admitted the club faces a massive rebuilding task after being stripped of some of its biggest stars during the transfer window.
The Free State outfit has been one of the hardest-hit clubs this off-season, with Orlando Pirates swooping in to snap up key players Neo Rapoo, Gamphani Lungu and Bohlale Ngwato.
To make matters worse, influential midfielder Gape Moralo is reportedly on the verge of completing a move to AmaZulu, while loanees Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane have returned to Kaizer Chiefs, leaving huge gaps in Seema’s squad.
With the new Betway Premiership season fast approaching, Seema has now revealed that Siwelele are being forced to turn to players from the amateur ranks as they desperately seek solutions.
Speaking on the club’s first day back at training, Seema made it clear that the focus is now on assessing whether the new arrivals can cope with the demands of top-flight football.
“This is our first day back at work. The players are going through different tests before we start,” said Seema.
“We want to see how far they are, especially the new players. We have several players coming from amateur leagues and we need to assess them properly.”
The experienced coach admitted that getting the newcomers up to speed will be one of the club’s biggest challenges.
“We have to make sure they are properly conditioned, able to compete and capable of helping the team,” he added.
While Siwelele have managed to secure the services of hardworking midfielder Grant Margeman on a new deal, supporters will be wondering whether the club can recover from the exodus of talent and remain competitive next season.