Former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa’s potential deadline day move is in the works, with negotiations to join a new club at an advanced stage.
Lepasa, who was in the Bafana Bafana squad for the CHAN in August, was released by Pirates at the end of last season.
The Buccaneers’ academy graduate left the Soweto giants after five seasons with the senior team. Although he saw limited game time last season, interest in his services remained high, with Durban City FC eager to secure his signature.
However, the two parties could not reach an agreement, and it appeared that he was prioritising a move that would keep him in Gauteng.
WHICH CLUB COULD SIGN ZAKHELE LEPASA?
The 28-year-old may have found the perfect project that aligns with his wish to stay in Gauteng for personal reasons. Although Siwelele FC play their home matches in Bloemfontein, they are still based in Gauteng and have expressed interest.
The two parties are currently negotiating his personal terms and may reach an agreement before the transfer window closes. Since Lepasa is a free agent, his transfer is not impacted by the Monday deadline. However, club chairman Calvin Le John has pledged to sign five or six new players to strengthen the squad.
They have already reached an agreement with Mamelodi Sundowns regarding the loan transfer of Kegan Johannes. Siwelele have faced a challenging start to the season, securing only one win in seven matches, with one draw and five losses.
Lepasa, who was part of Hugo Broos’s AFCON squad in Ivory Coast in 2024, has had his career hampered by injuries. Last season, he spent much of the time on the sidelines and will be hoping to stay injury-free.
Lepasa began his football journey with Bucs reserves eight years ago. However, he was not immediately promoted to the senior team and was loaned out to Stellenbosch and TS Galaxy.
After making a significant impact at Galaxy, where he played a crucial role in helping the Rockets become the first second-tier team to win the Nedbank Cup, he returned to Pirates.
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