Orlando Pirates former star Zakhele Lepasa has received a firm message from TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi, who insists the striker must take initiative if he wants to return to the club where he once made history.
Lepasa became a free agent last week after parting ways with the Buccaneers. His departure followed a season on the sidelines due to injury, with no appearances recorded for the Soweto giants in the previous campaign.
Pirates decided to release the Bafana Bafana striker shortly after signing Yanela Mbuthuma. Lepasa has since linked up with the national squad ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), featuring in a 1-1 friendly draw with Angola at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
The door is open for Pirates castaway
Lepasa famously etched his name into TS Galaxy folklore during the 2018/2019 season. On loan from Pirates, he scored the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs, helping Galaxy become the first lower-division side to lift the trophy.
Now, Sukazi says the forward must decide whether to come home or seek opportunities abroad.
“The Lepasa chapter is closed, unless he decides he wants to come home,” Sukazi told Ikwekwezi FM. “The door is always open. I discovered him, and he has my number [to call me if he’s interested in joining TS Galaxy]. I’m unsure of where his and his agent’s headspace is.”
“In situations like this, I can’t chase after him. If he wants to come home, he knows what to do. Sometimes it becomes easy for players who’ve played for Orlando Pirates to secure deals overseas. A lot of players are moving outside South Africa. Maybe he’s exploring his options.”
Time ticking for Lepasa to choose his next chapter
As the transfer window begins to wind down. All eyes are on the former Orlando Pirates star.
With offers potentially on the table from abroad, will Lepasa return to his roots at TS Galaxy, or carve out a new path beyond South African football?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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