Zakhele Lepasa’s Free Transfer to Kaizer Chiefs? What This Could Mean for Amakhosi’s Ambitions
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly closing in on a significant signing that could add much-needed firepower to their frontline.
Zakhele Lepasa, the 28-year-old striker formerly of Orlando Pirates, has become a free agent after his contract was not renewed.
This development presents a golden opportunity for Chiefs as they seek to strengthen their squad ahead of a challenging season.
Lepasa’s career trajectory has been a tale of promise interrupted by misfortune.
Despite a long-term injury sidelining him for the entire 2024/25 season, Lepasa had previously impressed during loan spells at Stellenbosch, TS Galaxy, and SuperSport United.
Over his tenure with Pirates, he scored 15 goals and provided two assists in 64 appearances, contributing to five domestic trophies.
His inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming CHAN tournament, scheduled to kick off against Algeria on August 5, signals that he is regaining fitness and form.
This renewed vigor could make him a valuable asset for Chiefs, who are actively seeking to bolster their attacking options under new coach Nazarin Nabi.
Chiefs’ marketing and commercial director, Jessica Dawong, has publicly confirmed the club’s massive ambitions for the 2025/26 campaign.
Speaking on Newsroom Africa, she emphasized that the club aims to compete for every trophy available, including the prestigious CAF Confederation Cup.
The recent NetBank Cup victory, ending a decade-long trophy drought, has reignited belief among supporters and management alike.
Jessica stated, “We all have high expectations and we understand our supporters have high expectations too.
For us, the vision is to continue succeeding.
We worked hard last season and broke the hoodoo of not winning, so we won the NetBank Cup.
Certainly, this season, we are going for all the victories we can get.”
She further highlighted the importance of continental competition, noting that the team’s preseason preparations, including their tour in the Netherlands, reflect their serious intent to challenge on the African stage.
Lepasa’s potential arrival fits neatly into this ambitious framework.
Chiefs have struggled to find consistent goal-scoring threats in recent seasons, and adding an experienced striker with a hunger to prove himself could be transformative.
Whether Lepasa can fully regain his previous form remains to be seen, but his hunger and prior performances suggest he could thrive under Nabi’s guidance.
Meanwhile, other moves in the region underscore the vibrant transfer market activity.
Tanzanian giants Simba SC have officially signed defender Rushing De Reuck from Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 29-year-old joins Simba on a one-year deal with an option to extend, reuniting with coach Fadlu Davids, his former mentor at Maritzburg United.
This signing is viewed as a strategic boost for Simba as they prepare for both domestic league and CAF Champions League campaigns.
Back in South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns have loaned out Kubameo Kisang to Portuguese top-flight side AVS Futebol Clube for the 2025/26 season.
Kisang, 25, made just 11 appearances last season and returns to Portugal where he previously spent five years developing his career.
His move reflects Sundowns’ strategy to give players competitive minutes abroad, enhancing their development.
Turning back to Chiefs, the club is also navigating a complex squad rebuild.
Recent signings include promising young talents like Luke Baartman, while departures such as Venezuelan winger Castillo have freed up foreign player slots.
This strategic reshuffling aims to balance youth development with experienced reinforcements.
The club’s approach also involves loaning out players to teams known for nurturing talent, such as Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy.
This mirrors successful strategies employed by rivals like Orlando Pirates and Sundowns, who emphasize regular game time for their loanees to accelerate growth.
Chiefs’ management faces the challenge of integrating new signings like Lepasa and Baartman while maintaining squad harmony and competitiveness.
Coach Nabi’s role will be pivotal in forging a cohesive unit capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
For fans, the prospect of Lepasa joining Chiefs is exciting but also cautious.
His injury history raises questions about fitness and consistency, yet his proven ability and recent national team call-up offer hope.
Supporters are eager to see if he can recapture his best form and help Chiefs reclaim dominance.
In conclusion, Zakhele Lepasa’s free agent status presents a timely opportunity for Kaizer Chiefs to strengthen their attack as they aim for a trophy-laden season.
Alongside strategic signings and a clear vision articulated by club leadership, Amakhosi’s ambitions are palpable.
The upcoming weeks will be critical as Chiefs finalize their transfer business and prepare for a demanding season ahead.
Will Lepasa rise to the occasion?
Can Chiefs translate their preseason promise into silverware?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the club is determined to make 2025/26 a season to remember.
Fans are encouraged to engage with the club’s journey, share their thoughts, and support Amakhosi as they chase glory on domestic and continental stages.
The road ahead is challenging but filled with potential — a true test of Chiefs’ resolve and vision.
