Another Orlando Pirates Reject Heading to Kaizer Chiefs? The Story of Zakhele Lepasa and the Fierce PSL Rivalry

In South African football, the rivalry between the country’s two biggest clubs, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, always captures intense attention from fans and the media alike.
Whenever a player transfers between these two teams, it is not just a simple move but a story of loyalty, betrayal, and massive expectations from passionate supporters.

Recently, another name has emerged in this ongoing saga: Zakhele Lepasa, a 28-year-old striker who parted ways with Orlando Pirates after seven years.
According to former Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi, Lepasa could become the fourth player in recent seasons to switch from Pirates to Chiefs, following Bongani Sam, Thabiso Monyane, and Paseka Mako.

Zakhele Lepasa’s Journey at Orlando Pirates

Zakhele Lepasa showed promise as a striker during his time at Orlando Pirates.
However, his spell with the Buccaneers was far from smooth.
Injuries and stiff competition for starting positions limited his playing time and prevented him from maintaining consistent form.

Mokete Tsotetsi pointed out that Lepasa was not rejected due to lack of ability but simply because he was not given enough opportunities.
Sometimes, when a team’s lineup is settled, it becomes difficult for a player returning from injury to reclaim a spot in the starting eleven.
However, Tsotetsi believes Lepasa has recovered and could add value to Kaizer Chiefs if given a chance.

From Orlando Pirates to Kaizer Chiefs: A Transfer Trend

If Lepasa does join Kaizer Chiefs, he will be the fourth player in recent years to make the move from Orlando Pirates to their fierce rivals.
Bongani Sam, Thabiso Monyane, and Paseka Mako are examples of this recent transfer trend.

Such moves always generate significant buzz because the rivalry between these two clubs goes beyond the pitch—it’s deeply embedded in South African football culture.
Fans often see players switching sides as acts of betrayal, and those players face tremendous psychological pressure.

However, for players, transfers represent opportunities to gain more playing time, develop their careers, and sometimes take on new challenges to prove themselves.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Striker Problem

One of the main reasons Chiefs might be interested in Lepasa is their ongoing struggle to find a reliable, quality striker.

In the new season, recent attacking signings have delivered mixed results.
Flavio Silva, for example, has been the subject of jokes online due to his poor performances in pre-season friendlies in the Netherlands.
While experts agree he deserves time to adjust, his initial displays have not inspired confidence.

Veteran striker Tashreeq Morris, at 31, is part of the squad but is not seen as a long-term solution given his age and inconsistent goal-scoring record.
Ashley Du Preez, although hardworking and industrious, has not emerged as a prolific scorer either.

There is also speculation about whether Chiefs will secure Nigerian striker Etiosa Ighodaro, but nothing is confirmed.

Given this situation, Lepasa’s availability and potential career revival make him an attractive option.
Tsotetsi remarked that if Lepasa is given a chance at Chiefs, he could perform well and provide much-needed firepower upfront.

What Does Zakhele Lepasa Bring?

Lepasa is known for his pace, agility, and ability to create scoring chances.
When fit and confident, he can be a real threat in the attacking third.

His experience at a top club like Orlando Pirates means he understands the pressure and demands of high-level South African football.
This experience could be invaluable for Chiefs, who aim to reclaim dominance in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

However, Lepasa’s success will largely depend on the tactical system and the preferences of head coach Arthur Zwane and his technical staff.
Tsotetsi noted that it will be interesting to see what type of striker Zwane wants and whether Lepasa fits that profile.

Challenges Ahead

Despite his potential, Lepasa will face several challenges joining Kaizer Chiefs.

Chiefs fans are known for their passionate support but also for high expectations and little patience.
Lepasa will need to prove himself quickly to win over the Amakhosi faithful.

Moreover, adapting to a new club culture, playing style, and team dynamics will be critical.
The pressure of performing in the fiercely contested Soweto Derby and other high-stakes matches will be intense.

Lepasa must also overcome any doubts about his injury history and consistency.
Maintaining fitness and delivering regular goals will be key to securing a long-term role.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the PSL

Lepasa’s potential transfer highlights several broader themes in South African football.

Firstly, it shows the fluidity of player movement within the PSL, even between rival clubs.
While loyalty matters, professional footballers often seek opportunities where they can play regularly and advance their careers.

Secondly, it reflects the competitive nature of the league, where clubs constantly seek to strengthen their squads to challenge for titles.
Chiefs’ interest in Lepasa reveals their urgency to address weaknesses and build a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

Thirdly, the transfer saga fuels the ongoing narrative of the Chiefs-Pirates rivalry, a cornerstone of South African football culture.
Each transfer between these clubs adds another chapter to this storied rivalry and keeps fans engaged.

Fan Reactions and Public Opinion

As news of Lepasa’s potential move spreads, fans have expressed mixed reactions.

Some Pirates supporters feel disappointed seeing yet another player join their rivals, fearing it weakens their squad.
Others understand Lepasa’s limited opportunities at Pirates justified his departure.

Chiefs fans are cautiously optimistic, hoping Lepasa can fill the striker void and help the team challenge for trophies.
However, some remain skeptical, pointing to his inconsistent form and injury history.

Social media platforms have become hotbeds for debate, with supporters discussing Lepasa’s strengths, weaknesses, and his potential fit at Chiefs.

What’s Next for Zakhele Lepasa?

No official confirmation has been made regarding Lepasa’s signing by Kaizer Chiefs yet.
Negotiations likely continue behind the scenes.

For Lepasa, this move represents a crucial career crossroads.
A successful stint at Chiefs could revive his career and elevate him as one of the PSL’s notable strikers.

Conversely, failure to impress could see his career stall, making this opportunity all the more critical.

Conclusion: A Transfer That Could Shape the PSL Season

Zakhele Lepasa’s possible transfer to Kaizer Chiefs is more than just a player changing clubs.
It symbolizes the ongoing battle for supremacy in South African football and the complex relationship between two of its biggest teams.

If Chiefs sign Lepasa, they will be betting on his talent and resilience to solve their striker woes and provide a spark in attack.
For Lepasa, it is a chance to prove himself once again on a big stage and write a new chapter in his professional journey.

As the transfer window progresses, all eyes will be on Lepasa and Chiefs to see if this move happens and how it impacts the PSL dynamic.

Fans and analysts alike will watch closely, eager to see if Lepasa can become the latest success story to emerge from the fierce rivalry between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.