Zakhele Lepasa Leaves Orlando Pirates After 7 Years, Club Confirms Exit
- Zakhele Lepasa has officially parted ways with Orlando Pirates after seven years, following a season-long injury
- His absence from the club’s pre-season camp in Spain sparked speculation
- The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana striker has reflected on his career setbacks and hopes for a fresh start
Orlando Pirates star Zakhele Lepasa has left the Soweto giants after seven years with them.
The 28-year-old spent the better part of last season sidelined with an injury and is now unattached, free to join a club of his choice.
Source: Getty Images
According to sources that spoke to GOAL, Lepasa is no longer with the Buccaneers because he was not part of the squad that went for the pre-season camp in Spain.
One informer confided, “Yes, as far as we know, as SAFA, Zakhele is no longer with Pirates.”
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
The striker’s departure has since been confirmed by the club. On Friday, the club announced Lepasa’s exit.
“Thank you, Zakhele Lepasa, for your commitment and contribution to Orlando Pirates. We wish you the very best in your next chapter. Once and always,” Orlando Pirates wrote in a social media post.
On Thursday, the striker spoke about the past season and brought clarity on his absence from the Pirates colours.
“I did not play the entire season due to an injury, and this is the first time this has happened in my career. With the season about to start, one thing that would mean a lot would be seeing myself back on the field, wearing a football jersey, and being able to get the first minutes of the season. Doubt will be cast on my football career and my life, as I wonder if I can do what I do best and return to the national team, among other goals.”
Lepasa has turned out for Bafana Bafana and has 18 caps and three goals. He failed to hit the ground running at Mayfair and has been loaned out to Stellenbosch FC, TS Galaxy, and SuperSport United.
Source: Getty Images
His time with Pirates saw him play a total of 64 matches, scoring 15 goals and providing a mere two assists. He was also included in the CHAN squad by Bafana Bafana B coach Molefi Ntseki.
How did the fans react to Lepasa's exit?
@Mr_JonesMJ:
"He's finally released from prison — it’s been a long time coming."
@Gilliespy2:
"But this guy is just returning from injury, not a bad player at all."
@Khethanikesman:
"They destroyed Zakhele. He had potential, but they broke him."
@mkitsori:
"Parole has been granted at Underachieving Prison FC — another wasted talent."
@thembelanilato2:
"Finally! I’ll take him to Khosi any day, this one belongs in gold and black."
@Thandom1805:
"Dankie, free at last."
@LuyandaMqikela:
"Makhosi, let’s take him, what do you think? 🤔"
@Uomo_difamiglia:
"@KaizerChiefs, please do the right thing before it's too late."
@mashoodoZ:
"Modelling career loading?"
@LavinodeDon:
"From begging for birthday donations to parting ways, what a ride."
@SunyeIsaac:
"Free at last."
@ShakerShabalala:
"@KaizerChiefs, wake up!"
Doctor Khumalo praises young Pirates star
Briefly News previously reported that Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo heaped praise on Orlando Pirates star Mohau Nkota for his fearless and positive style of play.
The 20-year-old winger impressed during the 2023/24 season, earning admiration for always playing forward and taking on defenders.
Source: Briefly News
