Despite the latest reports that Orlando Pirates could make a U-turn with regards to Zakhele Lepasa, indications are that the striker remains in the club's plans.
The forward returned to the side for pre-season when the rest of the team came back from the break and has been to both camps in Rustenburg and Spain respectively. He had spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan with SuperSport United, where he impressed Gavin Hunt with his work-rate, although the Tshwane side were turned down in their pursuit of the player's signature for the upcoming season.
Instead, Matsatsantsa have since signed Terrence Dzvukamanja from Bucs, as well as Siphesihle Ndlovu on a permanent deal after his season-long loan deal with the club expired at the end of the season. Recent reports have suggested that Lepasa could be on his way out of Pirates after the club reportedly failed to register him for the CAF Champions League.
However, Siya sources have confirmed that the player remains in the Soweto giants' plans and in line to get his chance under Jose Riveiro in the new season.
"Zakhele Lepasa remains in the plans for Pirates and that's why he was re-called when the loan deal with SuperSport ended. Yes, SuperSport has been interested in the player, but Pirates have so far showed no intentions of parting ways with him," said a source.
Bucs are expected to finalise their squad in the coming days.
How would you prefer to see Lepasa used at Pirates? Share your views in the comments section below!