Sekhukhune United coach Lehlohonolo Seema has opened up on the speculations linking Nigerian center-forward Chibuike Ohizu with a move to Algerian giants MC Alger. 

The reigning Algerian Ligue 1 champions have reportedly tabled an offer for the 27-year-old talisman with their transfer window closing on the 10th of September, and talks are understood to be at an advanced stage between the two clubs. 

Ohizu, who joined Babina Noko during the 2020/21 season from Jomo Cosmos, went on to score 24 goals and registered two assists in 87 appearances across all competitions for the club with eight of those goals scored last season in the league. 

Now, with the Betway Premiership set to commence after the international break, Seema is wary of other teams luring his players away due to the delayed start of the league but reveals that the wheels are in motion for life without Ohizu. “The league starting a little bit late was a blessing in disguise to some, and people say we’ve got a chance to work with the players more. But now it has also opened [the door] for other teams to look inside our nest, ” he said. 

“So, we are also trying to organize and plan for life without him [Ohizu], which is difficult because nothing has been confirmed, but yeah, we have to think along those lines in case it happens, we are not certain that it will happen.”

With Ohizu possibly on his way out, Andy Boyeli, who was signed from Zambian side Power Dynamos in June, will be the only option for the no.9 position after the club parted ways with Michael Sarpong, and Seema has now confirmed that Babina Noko is on the lookout for a striker. “We are still looking at some players, obviously with the mentioning of Ohizu we will be looking at the striking department. We have a little bit of some injuries. It was unfortunate that when I arrived there were some injuries so there were some guys I hadn’t really seen.” 

Despite being satisfied with the current squad at his disposal, Seema says it’s not a stronger team than the one that finished in an impressive fourth spot last season after the departures of Elias Mokwana, Asekho Tiwani, Nyiko Mobbie, and Kamohelo Mokotjo amongst others. 

“We are happy with the squad that we’ve got, but if you ask me whether it’s better than what we had last season I’d say no. I think it’s still a competitive squad like the previous season, so we are looking forward to a difficult season, ” said the 44-year-old coach. 

Sekhukhune will begin their 2024/25 campaign with an away encounter against Angolan side CD Lunda Sul in the first leg of the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederations Cup on Saturday, before hosting Betway Premiership newcomers Magesi FC four days later in their first league match of the season.

Article by Trevor Magoro