Siwelele FC have confirmed the departure of a staggering 22 players as the club begins a major rebuilding project ahead of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The Bloemfontein outfit finished 10th in its maiden top-flight campaign after purchasing SuperSport United’s Premiership status before the start of the 2025/26 season. Having successfully retained their place in the league, the club has now made sweeping changes to its playing squad.
The latest departures increase the number of exits from 12 to 22 in a single day, underlining the scale of the rebuilding process underway. The club is expected to be active in the transfer market as Lehlohonolo Seema prepares his squad for a more competitive second season.
The released players are Happy Mashiane, Ghampani Lungu, Bohlale Ngwato, Neo Rapoo, Thabang Mahlangu, Lazola Maku, Kgaogelo Sekgota, Pogiso Sanoka, Enoch Quaicoe, Gape Moralo, Keanin Ayer, Lyle Lakay, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Samir Nurkovic, Nyiko Mobbie, Samkelo Zwane, Mahlatse Makudubela, Maloisane Mokhele, Thabo Mokhele, Chibuike Ohizu, Koketso Sekgodiso, and Mandlenkosi Nkosi.
TURBULENT FIRST SEASON ENDED ON A HIGH
Siwelele FC were established ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after a consortium led by chairman Calvin Le John purchased SuperSport United’s Betway Premiership status for R50 million. The move revived the famous Siwelele identity associated with the former Bloemfontein Celtic, with Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium becoming the club’s home ground.
The club endured a difficult introduction to the Betway Premiership, winning just one of its opening seven league matches.
That poor run prompted Calvin Le John to dismiss CEO Stan Matthews and assistant coach Andre Arendse in September 2025. Lehlohonolo Seema was appointed head coach before the club strengthened the squad with several additions, including former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa on transfer deadline day.
Under Seema, Siwelele FC gradually climbed away from the relegation zone and secured their top-flight status with matches to spare. The club ultimately finished 10th in the Betway Premiership, but management has wasted no time reshaping the squad in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
12 players released earlier on Tuesday
- Happy Mashiane
- Ghampani Lungu
- Bohlale Ngwato
- Neo Rapoo
- Thabang Mahlangu
- Lazola Maku
- Kgaogelo Sekgota
- Pogiso Sanoka
- Enoch Quaicoe
- Gape Moralo
- Keanin Ayer
- Lyle Lakay
10 more players released
- Mandlenkosi Nkosi
- Buhle Mkhwanazi
- Samir Nurkovic
- Nyiko Mobbie
- Samkelo Zwane
- Mahlatse Makudubela
- Maloisane Mokhele
- Thabo Mokhele
- Chibuike Ohizu
- Koketso Sekgodiso.