Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker has opened up about facing Orlando Pirates red-hot striker Zakhele Lepasa in the MTN8 semi-final, first leg.
The two teams will battle it out for the second time this season on Sunday at Athlone Stadium at 15:00. In the season opener, Stellies beat Pirates 1-0 at the Danie Craven Stadium.
Barker knows Lepasa very well, as the duo once worked together back in the 2018/19 campaign when Stellenboshc FCc was still playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The Bafana Bafana international had joined Stellies on a short spell [six months] from the Orlando Pirates reserves.
Lepasa has been in great form in front of goal so far this season. The 26-year-old has scored nine goals in seven matches in all competitions.
STEVE BARKER ON FACING LEPASA
According to Barker, he’s aware of the form Lepasa is in and is a danger in front of the goal.
“I’m very pleased for [Zakhele] Lepasa, he had a short stint with us, six months on loan. At the time, Iqraam Rayners was doing well for us, so it was difficult for him to break into the squad,” said Barker.
“Zakes has always been a hard-working, really talented footballer who takes his craft seriously even if he was here. That long injury that set him back, he overcame that, criticism from fans, and still performed the way he has. Credit must go to him.
“We know he’s dangerous in and around the box, a really good finisher, and he’s playing with confidence also.
BARKER NAMES OTHER PIRATES STARS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Barker further revealed that Lepasa is the player they will be aiming to silence together with Monnapule Saleng and Patrick Maswanganyi.
“He’s definitely someone that we have to keep a lid on, I’m glad for him we have to keep him quiet and [Monnapule] Saleng and [Patrick] Maswanganyi and others,” he added.
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