Zakhele Lepasa finds new home after Pirates exit

Siwelele FC has officially confirmed the signing of former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa. The 28-year-old was a free agent after being released by the Buccaneers at the end of the 2024/25 season, where he had seen limited game time over the past five seasons.

Lepasa’s move to the struggling Betway Premiership side comes after a previously rumoured transfer to newly promoted Durban City fell through. Durban City’s coach, Gavin Hunt, had expressed a strong interest in the player, but the two sides couldn’t reach an agreement.

The club took to its social media platforms to announce the striker’s arrival, writing, “Yes, it’s official. Zakhele Lepasa is a part of the family in Green and White. Welcome home, Taba Taba Ke Mmala.”

Lepasa will be joining other recent signings, including Kaizer Chiefs duo Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane, who have both joined on a season-long loan. The club also recently acquired Nigerian forward Chibuike Ohizu from Sekhukhune United.

Can Lepasa Revive Siwelele’s Fortunes?

Siwelele FC is currently at the bottom of the Betway Premiership log with just four points from eight matches. The team has been struggling to find the back of the net, having failed to score in their last seven matches after a promising start.

The club is hoping that the addition of the ex-Bucs man and Ohizu will provide a much-needed boost to their offence and help them climb out of the relegation zone. Lepasa, who has also played for SuperSport United and TS Galaxy, was part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the recent CHAN tournament.

Despite his limited playing time with the Buccaneers last season, the Bafana Bafana international was a highly sought-after player. Although he had been linked with a move to Durban, it’s believed that his preference was to stay in Gauteng, which Siwelele FC has made possible despite the team playing its home games in Bloemfontein.

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