Exit confirmed, more moves likely

Orlando Pirates have formally confirmed the departure of long-serving striker Zakhele Lepasa, drawing a line under weeks of murmurs about his future and signalling a fresh start for the 28-year-old beyond Mayfair.

Lepasa played a peripheral role in Pirates’ 2024/25 campaign and was notably absent from the club’s recent pre-season tour to Spain under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Still, there was a quiet tribute: the striker appeared in the ongoing ‘Giants’ Series documentary—an archival nod to his time in black and white.

Squad changes still on the table

Lepasa’s exit could mark the beginning of a wider reshuffle. Katlego Otladisa, also missing from the Spain camp, is among those whose futures remain uncertain as the technical team weighs up its next moves. With the transfer window open until 22 September, possibilities remain.

A source close to the club reflected on the fluid state of affairs: “With the window still open, don’t be surprised if there’s another addition or two. It all depends on who else leaves and what the squad still needs after pre-season.”

So far, Pirates have confirmed eleven arrivals in the window, including Sipho Mbule, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, and Yanela Mbuthuma, bolstering nearly every department of the squad.