Is Zakhele Lepasa surely leaving Orlando Pirates? The 28-year-old forward did not feature in a single Betway Premiership match last season.
While the Soweto-born player suffered an ankle injury, Lepasa resumed full training in March but never came near the Orlando Pirates 11 nor the substitute’s bench until the season ended.
According to reports, Lepasa did not see eye to eye with coach Riveiro, while the likes of Tshegofatso Mabasa, Evidence Makgopa, and emerging youngster Boitumelo Radiopane were doing the business on the green grass.
NO CONTRACT AGREEMENT
Jersey number spotted: New Orlando Pirates defender
Zakhele Lepasa warms up for Orlando Pirates at the Athlone Stadium. Image: IOL
Despite Riveiro’s departure, Lepasa has not travelled with Orlando Pirates to the preseason training camp in Spain.
Nevertheless, an insider somehow believes Lepasa could remain at the club.
According to this report, the issue is a stalling agreement over a new contract. “His contract was supposed to run out at the end of June, and talks have been ongoing for some time,” an insider told Soccer Laduma.
Orlando Pirates announce big decision on star winger
“It’s believed that there was a contract proposal from the club with the player and his representatives having a counter proposal and now Lepasa is waiting on Orlando Pirates. Everything now remains a decision to be made by the club and that’s what he is waiting for,” a source added.
A telling element is the club’s decision to exclude Lepasa from the current pre-season training camp in Spain.
“He did not travel to Spain as the talks have stalled, and he is waiting on the team, but it’s believed that the new head coach is happy with what he has seen from him at training,” the source told the outlet. “If all goes well he could join the team in Spain at a later stage. It is in the hands of the club,” the insider concluded.
Meanwhile, Lepasa has scored 15 goals and made two assists in 64 games for the Sea Robbers.
WHAT DECISION DO YOU EXPECT FROM ORLANDO PIRATES ON ZAKHELE LEPASA?
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