Zakhele Lepasa departs Orlando Pirates

As Orlando Pirates reshape their squad for the highly anticipated 2025/26 season, the club has officially confirmed the departure of striker Zakhele Lepasa.

This move sees the 28-year-old become a free agent, marking a significant shift in his career trajectory. The striker was not part of the Soweto giants’ pre-season trip to Spain, signalling the end of his time with his boyhood club, where he developed through their academy system after joining in 2018.

During his stint with the Buccaneers, Lepasa had three separate loan spells at Stellenbosch FC, TS Galaxy, and SuperSport United. He famously etched his name into Nedbank Cup history by scoring the winning goal, a penalty, as Galaxy pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset over Kaizer Chiefs in the 2019 final.

Overall, Lepasa made 64 appearances for Pirates, scoring 15 goals and providing two assists, contributing to five domestic cup victories. However, his final season (2024/25) saw him sidelined entirely due to a long-term injury.

“THANK YOU @Lepasazakhelefor your commitment and contribution to @OrlandoPirates. Wishing you the very best in your next chapter. Once Always,” said Pirates in a brief statement on Friday.

Lepasa’s exit adds his name to a growing list of departures from the Buccaneers as they prepare for the new season. He joins Innocent Maela, Miguel Timm, Mohau Nkota, Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, who have also left the club.

Now, as a free agent, Lepasa is eager to revive his career and aims to return to the senior national team setup. He’s already taken a step in that direction, having been named in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad, which kicks off its campaign against Algeria on August 5th.

𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 @Lepasazakhele
for your commitment and contribution to @OrlandoPirates

Wishing you the very best in your next chapter

𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞.𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/eq2fLZVLXS

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025