Nedbank Cup hero Zakhele Lepasa set to return to Pirates

Zakhele Lepasa, whose last-gasp penalty for TS Galaxy set up a historic win over Kaizer Chiefs will rejoin Orlando Pirates, following a loan-spell at the first division outfit.

The 22-year-old emerged as a bright prospect for the Buccaneers after banging in four goals in the Nedbank Cup on his way to being named Player of the Tournament, before earning a national call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the Cosafa Cup tournament.

While Galaxy were reportedly keen on hanging on to his talents, he has been recalled by the Soweto giants, and is set to link up with Milutin Sredojevic's squad for pre-season preparations.

The club confirmed on its website on Thursday;

Lepasa is due to return from his loan spell at TS Galaxy where he is expected to be part of the Buccaneers pre-season setup,

Orlando PiratesLepasa spent the first half of the season on loan at National First Division champions Stellenbosch FC, where he struggled for game time as he competed for a place with Iqraam Rayners, who finished as the league's leading goal scorer with 19 goals.

He was sent up north to the Rockets, and adapted quickly on his way to finishing with nine goals in 14 matches.

He revealed he was excited to be joining the club and was made to feel welcome.

The move to Galaxy was an exciting prospect for me because they have a small squad of largely young players. I knew it was going to be tough to join them though, especially as a new player in the middle for the season, but they welcomed me and made it easy for me to settle down.

Zakhele LepasaLepasa follows in the footsteps of Pirates regulars Thembinkosi Lorch and Innocent Maela, whom the club sent out on loan before returning to command a starting place.

Tags: Nedbank CupOrlando Pirates

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