Orlando Pirates have cut ties with striker Zakhele Lepasa as they continue to revamp their squad for the much-anticipated 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
The Bafana Bafana international is leaving Pirates after spending five seasons in the first team, having gained promotion from the club’s development ranks.
Following his promotion to the senior team in 2018, Lepasa was loaned out to TS Galaxy to gain regular playing time. The 28-year-old played a crucial role at Galaxy, winning the 2019 Nedbank Cup against Kaizer Chiefs as a second division team. He scored the winner as Galaxy beat Amakhosi 1-0.
After impressing at Galaxy, Lepasa returned to Pirates to fight for his position in the striking department. However, the talented forward has been plagued by injuries for the majority of his time with the Soweto giants, limiting his contributions on the pitch.
LEPASA DIDN’T FEATURE FOR PIRATES LAST SEASON
In the previous season, Lepasa didn’t feature for the Buccaneers in any competitive matches. His best showing was in the 2023/24 campaign after scoring 10 goals in 23 games in all competitions.
Pirates used Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, and Boitumelo Radiopane in the striking force under the then-head, Jose Riveiro, last season.
Mabasa and Makgopa featured regularly for Pirates as they finished the last season as runners-up in the league and reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
On Friday morning, the Sea Robbers announced the exit of Lepasa as the striker closed his chapter with one of the iconic football clubs in South Africa.
“Thank you, Zakhele Lepasa, for your commitment and contribution to Orlando Pirates. We wish you the best in your next chapter,” the club said on social media.
Meanwhile, Pirates have signed Richards Bay FC striker Yanela Mbuthuma, which further sends Lepasa further down the pecking order.
The Soweto giants welcomed other big-name players such as Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tshepho Mashiloane, and Kamogelo Sebelebele in the current transfer window.
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