Zakhele Lepasa speaks after leaving Orlando Pirates
The 28-year-old Bafana Bafana forward spent most of last season injured. He failed to make a single appearance last campaign and was not part of the team that toured Spain.
On Friday, the club confirmed Lepasa's departure.
'Thank you Zakhele Lepasa, for your commitment and contribution to Orlando Pirates. We wish you the very best in your next chapter. Once and always,' Orlando Pirates wrote in a social media post.
On Thursday, Lepasa explained why he did not make an appearance for Pirates last season.
'I obviously did not play the entire season due to an injury, and this is the first time this has happened in my career,' the striker told the media.
'With the season about to start, one thing that would mean a lot would be seeing myself back on the field, wearing a football jersey, and being able to get the first minutes of the season.
'Doubt will be cast on my football career and my life, as I wonder if I can do what I do best and return to the national team, among other goals.'
'I have not yet seen the results of my efforts, but this period in my career has only intensified my hunger due to the pain I experienced and the sacrifices I made over the past year.'
'Therefore, it was not easy for me to return to playing football. It was close to impossible at some point.
'But for me, having to play and see myself more regularly on the field is going to bring joy to me,' Lepasa.
On Thursday, the striker was included in Bafana Bafana's CHAN (African Nations Championship) squad. In the seven years with Orlando Pirates, Lepasa won six trophies and played a huge role in helping the Buccaneers win their first trophy in six years back in 2020.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
SA rower Kerry Grundlingh killed in Johannesburg cycling accident
The South African and international sporting communities are mourning the tragic death of Kerry Grundlingh, a talented young rower and economics student at Princeton University, who died in a cycling accident while visiting Johannesburg during her summer break. Grundlingh, 21, was struck by a car while cycling in her hometown. The incident was confirmed by both Princeton Athletics and her alma mater, St Mary's School, Waverley, where she matriculated in 2022. 'Kerry lost her life in a cycling accident while visiting family and friends in Johannesburg during the American university summer holidays,' the school said in a statement. Grundlingh had distinguished herself both academically and athletically. As a member of Princeton's open water rowing team, she was a two-time Ivy League medallist and competed at the NCAA Championships in both her freshman and sophomore years. In 2024, she was part of the second varsity eight that took bronze at the Ivy League Championships and later finished sixth at the NCAAs. This year, she rowed in the first varsity eight, winning gold at Ivies and securing victory in the Petite Final at NCAAs. 'She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate,' said Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny. 'Kerry constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others in every daily interaction. All of us in the Princeton rowing community send our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to her parents, Debbie and Francois, her brother James, and all her family and friends around the globe.' Grundlingh also represented South Africa at the World Rowing Championships, earning widespread respect for her discipline, dedication, and quiet leadership. In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Rowing South Africa said she had left 'an unfillable space in those who had the honour of knowing her,' highlighting her dry sense of humour, infectious laugh, and deep commitment to high performance. Friends, coaches, and team-mates have remembered Grundlingh as a quiet force, a gifted athlete, and a warm, humble presence both on and off the water. 'The world has lost an amazing young woman,' Princeton's Dauphiny said. Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Sundowns to announce two more players?
Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning Betway Premiership champions, completed the signing of Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC last weekend, and there are two more additions expected to follow soon. The 28-year-old left-back and Bafana Bafana star earned the move after seven goals and eight assists in 48 games for Stellies last season. Basadien becomes Sundowns' first signing ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League seasons, but reports say Kabo Yellow are not done. Transfer news: Orlando Pirates' decisions on 22 players Mamelodi Sundowns announce Fawaaz Basadien from Stellenbosch FC. Image: @masandawana/X 'It's time to get ready for a new season! Introducing our newest signing – the versatile & talented Fawaaz Basadien!' the club said via social media. 'Welcome to the Yellow Nation, Fawaaz.' Full details: Orlando Pirates' first match this week According to recent reports, Sundowns are closing in on two more signings. The first being TS Galaxy and Bafana Bafana defender Khulumani Ndamane, and Chippa United's winger Aphelele Teto. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton McKenzie says LIV Golf South Africa early bird tickets selling FAST
LIV Golf over the weekend confirmed that Steyn City in Johannesburg will host the first-ever LIV Golf South Africa event from 20-22 March 2026. A multi-year commitment, the announcement represents a landmark moment for the league as it expands to the African continent for the first time, extending LIV Golf competition to five continents across the globe. Early bird tickets for LIV Golf South Africa are now available for purchase HERE, including a select number of Club 54 Hospitality Tickets and three-day Ground Passes to enjoy a festival of world-class golf, live music, and family-friendly experiences. A three-day early bird Ground Pass will cost you R2 193.17 down from R2 436.86, while Club 54 Hospitality Tickets will set you back R50 443.20. Free admission for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has announced that tickets are selling fast. So fast in fact that over 10 200 were snapped up in the first 24 hours. The tournament will spotlight Stinger GC, the league's all-South African team, captained by 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and featuring fellow countrymen Dean Burmester, Branden Grace, and 2011 Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel. The team is expected to enjoy strong home support in March, as they compete for both individual and team titles in a field of 54 of the world's best players across three days in front of passionate local fans. In addition to home team Stinger GC, they'll be joined by a host of international stars including current 2025 season points leader Joaquin Niemann (Torque GC), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Phil Mickelson (HyFlyers GC), Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC), Cameron Smith (Ripper GC), Dustin Johnson (4Aces GC), and many more. The LIV Golf field is comprised of 18 major champions with a combined 28 major championships, bringing many of the sport's biggest stars to South Africa. The Club at Steyn City, located just north of Johannesburg, is known globally for its prestigious championship golf course designed by Nicklaus Design. With sweeping fairways, dramatic scenery, and a legacy of hosting professional tournaments, the course will provide the perfect setting for LIV Golf's debut in Africa and an exciting venue for broadcasters to showcase around the world. Post-play concerts and engaging fan experiences have become hallmark features of LIV Golf events, creating a unique festival atmosphere at every international stop. South Africa will be no exception, with marquee music entertainment to be announced in the event leadup. 'Bringing LIV Golf to South Africa is another significant moment in our journey,' said Ross Hallett, LIV Golf Executive Vice President, Head of Events. 'The country has a proud sporting heritage with passionate fans and world-class talent, and Steyn City will be an incredible host venue to celebrate this next chapter. We currently have events in Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America and today we add Africa, marking another exciting opportunity to showcase LIV Golf to a new audience and market. 'Our league is committed to driving the sport forward through competition, an innovative format, new investment opportunities, and collaborative partnerships that support progress throughout the communities we serve. We are incredibly grateful to have the support of the South African government and especially the Minister for Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie. Together, I know we will deliver a truly unforgettable experience to fans in Johannesburg, drive economic impact and tourism in the region, and showcase all that South Africa has to offer.' 'It's always special to compete at home, and I'm incredibly proud to bring LIV Golf to South Africa for the first time,' said Oosthuizen, captain of Stinger GC. 'For Branden, Charl, Dean and I to play in front of our fans, friends, and families will be an unforgettable experience. 'South African sports fans love their golf, and I am sure they will turn out in large numbers to support Stinger GC. South Africa has given so much to us, and now we get to give something back.' 'We are enormously proud to showcase Johannesburg and South Africa on the global stage, with our world-class lifestyle estate and golf course as shining examples of local excellence,' said Steven Louw, CEO of Steyn City Properties. 'We look forward to partnering with LIV Golf, Gauteng government and other stakeholders to share our country's exceptional golfing experience with the world, and to play a role in advancing the sport we are so passionate about.' 'This is a special moment to announce that the world's most dynamic and innovative new golfing format will make its historic debut in South Africa,' said Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. 'This will be a proud moment for our nation, showcasing our vibrant sports culture and world-class hospitality to a global audience. 'The all-South African Stinger GC team is also testament to our country's rich golfing heritage, and we need to get behind our boys as a country when they are here, so that they can win their nation's inaugural tournament. 'Visitors will truly feel that they are in Africa, with access to a Big 5 reserve with lions and elephants – Dinokeng – less than an hour's drive from Steyn City. No LIV event will be anything like this one and we are confident that the world's golf lovers will make travelling to ours, the world's most beautiful country, a must-do trip on their calendar. 'LIV will also help to popularise golf in South Africa, and I also look forward to using the big concerts each day as a platform to show off our amazing home-grown, internationally competitive entertainment. We take our hats off to LIV as an organisation for heeding the call to include Africa on their calendar if they wish to call themselves a truly global brand. This is what we want to see for other sports too, from Formula One to the Summer Olympics. 'We are excited to work with LIV Golf's team to deliver a festival of sport and culture that will inspire fans, boost tourism, and create lasting opportunities for our communities, because LIV has committed to reinvesting into the countries that welcome them.' More details on additional hospitality packages, grounds passes and entertainment for LIV Golf South Africa will be unveiled soon. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
