After seven years, Zakhele Lepasa has left Orlando Pirates after the club opted not to renew his contract.
The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana forward spent most of last season injured. He failed to make a single appearance last campaign and was not part of the team that toured Spain.
On Friday, the club confirmed Lepasa’s departure.
“Thank you Zakhele Lepasa, for your commitment and contribution to Orlando Pirates. We wish you the very best in your next chapter. Once and always,” Orlando Pirates wrote in a social media post.
On Thursday, Lepasa explained why he did not make an appearance for Pirates last season.
“I obviously did not play the entire season due to an injury, and this is the first time this has happened in my career,” the striker told the media.
“With the season about to start, one thing that would mean a lot would be seeing myself back on the field, wearing a football jersey, and being able to get the first minutes of the season.
“Doubt will be cast on my football career and my life, as I wonder if I can do what I do best and return to the national team, among other goals.”
Lepasa leaves Orlando Pirates after seven years
“I have not yet seen the results of my efforts, but this period in my career has only intensified my hunger due to the pain I experienced and the sacrifices I made over the past year.”
“Therefore, it was not easy for me to return to playing football. It was close to impossible at some point.
“But for me, having to play and see myself more regularly on the field is going to bring joy to me,” Lepasa.
On Thursday, the striker was included in Bafana Bafana’s CHAN (African Nations Championship) squad. In the seven years with Orlando Pirates, Lepasa won six trophies and played a huge role in helping the Buccaneers win their first trophy in six years back in 2020.
How unlucky is Lepasa?
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