Bafana Bafana’s Lepasa: Players take CHAN for granted

Off-loaded Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa has admitted that some professional footballers take the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) for granted, only to realise its importance when they are rendered club-less.

The 27-year-old said this in a reaction to being handed a career life-life following his call-up to South Africa’s senior national football team squad for CHAN.

Lepasa’s call-up happened after being released by Pirates, rendering him a free agent, a development that has made the clean-shaven striker appreciate CHAN’s importance.

The former SuperSport United player told the Confederation of African Football media that his inclusion in Bafana Bafana’s squad was timely.

“You know what’s crazy about CHAN? A lot of us players, when we play and we are regulars in our team, we tend to take CHAN and an opportunity like that for granted,” Lepasa is quoted as saying.

“Until a situation like this comes, where you haven’t played for a while, and you understand how important it is.”

The former Pirates striker said he would grab the opportunity of playing for Bafana Bafana at CHAN with both hands to market himself to potential suitors.

“Now it is as important as going to play in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, or go play in AFCON,” Lepasa said.

“So, I’m yet to think about it to be honest, but I’m definitely happy. But for me it’s not just about being happy, it’s about seeing myself playing again, training well and playing again, and feeling like myself again. So that’s one thing I’m looking forward to.”

Lepasa is among many players the Buccaneers have released as they start a new chapter under Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Bafana Bafana will start their CHAN show against Algeria on 5th August 2025.