DSTV PREMIERSHIP: In-form Sekhukhune United reveal plans to promote from within

Babina Noko secured seventh place in the DStv Premiership standings last season before investing heavily for the current campaign.

Lehlohonolo Seema’s side made 12 signings in the off-season and are reaping the rewards as they currently occupy fourth place on the table with eight games of the season to play.

Joining the club were Siphesihle Mkhize, Jamie Webber, Lebogang Mabotja, Keletso Sifama, Tiklas Thutlwa, Renaldo Leaner, Kgomotso Mosadi, Kgothatso Mariba, Zaphaniah Mbokoma, Collins Makgaka, Thabo Nkwana, and Ryan Baartman.

Both Seema and striker Linda Mntambo were recently crowned Coach and Player of the Month for February and March.

The club won five out of five games during that period and more recently held both Cape Town City and Stellenbosch to draws.

But as they plan ahead, Sekhukhune head of development Alex Bapela says now of the right time to start to blood some of their young stars into the senior set-up.

Bapela explained to FARPost: “Look when I took over at Sekhukhune United, my role has always been to link the development team with the first team.

“Before I arrived in the club, very few players gained promotion to the first team, so we want to change that and give more young players a chance.

“I work closely with the coaches in the first team and when I see a player that deserves a chance, I make a recommendation. I check positions that are thin on depth, then recommend a player who’s ready to play at that level.”

Sekhukhune’s reserve side are presently in eighth place on the DStv Diski Challenge league standings with five games to play.