Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa is widely expected to be on his way out of the club, marking a significant downturn in his career after an injury-ravaged season.
The South African international has seen his professional trajectory dramatically altered, particularly as he did not feature for a single minute on the pitch during the entire 2024/25 season.
This is a truly remarkable fall from grace for the forward who, not long ago, was a pivotal figure in South Africa's successful qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, his goal-scoring prowess proving indispensable.
He was also a valued member of the national team squad that participated in the tournament held in Ivory Coast, often linking up effectively with Evidence Makgopa.
LEPASA FINDS HIMSELF SEVERAL STEPS DOWN THE PERKING ORDER
Currently 28 years old, Lepasa now finds himself several steps down the pecking order in the Pirates' attacking department.
He has been surpassed by Evidence Makgopa, the prolific Tshegofatso Mabasa, and even the promising young talent of Boitumelo Radiopane, signaling a clear shift in the coach's preferred options.
The lack of game time, coupled with intense competition, strongly indicates that his future lies away from the Soweto giants.
All indications point to Lepasa seeking a fresh challenge and donning new colours for the upcoming season, hoping to reignite his career and return to the form that made him a feared striker.
In his tenure at Pirates, Lepasa has rattled the back of the net on 15 occasions in 64 appearances he’s racked up.
