Zakhele Lepasa at a Crossroads: Critical Months Ahead for Orlando Pirates Striker
Zakhele Lepasa finds himself in a defining moment of his career as he seeks more game time at Orlando Pirates. With his contract set to expire on June 30, 2025, the South African forward is facing an uncertain future at the Soweto giants.
A Striker in Limbo
Despite showing promise earlier in his Pirates career, Lepasa has struggled for consistent minutes on the pitch. Sources close to the player and the club indicate a lack of clarity on whether Pirates intend to extend his contract. These next five months are pivotal in determining Lepasa’s future with the Buccaneers.
A source familiar with the situation explained:
“These are crunch months for him. He has always wanted regular game time, whether at Pirates or elsewhere. But with his current situation, he’s finding it hard to regain momentum, especially after returning from injury. There have been no new contract talks yet, which adds to the uncertainty.”
A History of Interest
Previously, there was reported interest in Lepasa from SuperSport United and Sekhukhune United for a loan move, though nothing materialized. Now, speculation is rife that he could leave as a free agent in June if Pirates opt not to offer him a new deal.
“If Pirates aren’t offering him a new contract by now, the chances of him leaving as a free agent are high,” a second insider shared. “However, Pirates have tied players down late in the past. It’s all in their hands.”
Lepasa’s Pirates Journey
The 27-year-old forward emerged from Pirates’ development ranks before signing a senior contract in 2019. After loan spells to gain experience, he returned to the club and enjoyed a strong 2023/24 season. He was particularly impressive early in the campaign, but as the year progressed, Lepasa found himself slipping out of the starting lineup.
What Lies Ahead?
Lepasa’s situation highlights the challenges of balancing individual ambitions with team needs. With Pirates yet to make their intentions clear, the next five months will be crucial for the player to prove his worth and secure either an extended stay at the club or a move to a new team.
Given his past performances and his appearances for Bafana Bafana, Lepasa’s potential remains undeniable. Whether Pirates decide to keep faith in him or let him go, the striker’s future is likely to attract attention from clubs seeking a proven talent.
As the clock ticks toward June, Lepasa must make the most of every opportunity on the pitch to shape his career trajectory. For Orlando Pirates, the decision on his future could have long-term implications for both the player and the club.
