BIG update on Zakhele Lepasa’s Orlando Pirates future!

Orlando Pirates are still scouring the January transfer window in search for a striker to boost their forward line. 

This has been a mission from the last window but Pirates were unable to seal a deal for a striker.

There were some names who were linked to the Soweto giants in that process. The likes of Ashley Cupido, Andy Boyeli, Freddy Kouablan and Lungelo Nguse. They also had former Burnely youth striker Tremaine Eastmond training with the club towards the end of last season. Widespread reports claimed the player would go on pre-season with the Buccaneers and eventually sign. In the end, two players from the list ended up moving, but not to Pirates. Cupido stayed in the Western Cape, moving from Cape Town Spurs to Stellenbosch FC. Boyeli did eventually come to South Africa but joined Sekhukhune United instead. The other two stayed put at Simba SC and Golden Arrows respectively.   

Lepasa linked with swap deal exit

That meant Pirates would go into the season with Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, Zakhele Lepasa and Boitumelo Radiopane. With Lepasa being injured since last season, their options were reduced to just the other three. The Afcon bronze medalist is still yet to get back to action for the side. This publication recently reported that he could be used in a possible swap deal to sign Thabang Matuludi from Polokwane City. 

Now according to Soccer-Laduma, Pirates are looking to keep Lepasa!

Set to stay at Pirates

“There is no planned move for him (Lepasa) as far as I know, and the club (Pirates) is focused on helping him to recover fully to come back and contribute to the team. And I don’t think the club will be keen to send him on loan again,” said the source. 

With that said then, it looks as if Pirates will not be using Lepasa in a swap deal for Matuludi. Buccaneers how do you feel about keeping the Bafana Bafana striker until the end of the season? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.