Kaizer Chiefs have been searching for the right player to fill their striking gap—and with their latest transfer targets slipping through, a familiar name is now being floated as a possible solution: Zakhele Lepasa.
The 28-year-old striker, recently released by Orlando Pirates, is now being linked with a potential move to Amakhosi.
And according to some former Chiefs insiders, this could be the fresh start both the club and the player need.
Former Chiefs Defender Backs the Move
Mokete Tsotetsi, a former Kaizer Chiefs defender, believes his old club should seriously consider signing Lepasa.
Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Tsotetsi made it clear that this wouldn’t be a gamble but a potentially smart signing.
“Lepasa is a quality striker,” he said. “He wasn’t pushed out because of poor performance—he just didn’t get enough game time at Pirates.
When you’re sidelined, especially after an injury, the team can move on without you. That doesn’t mean your talent disappears.”
Tsotetsi pointed out that since Chiefs have so far failed to land Khanyisa Mayo, Lepasa might be the next best option.
“I think he still has a lot to offer.
If Chiefs give him a proper chance, he could bounce back and rebuild his career.”
Will Coach Nabi’s System Suit Him?
But not everyone is convinced it would be a straightforward fit.
Farouk Khan, a former assistant coach at Kaizer Chiefs, weighed in with a more cautious view.
For him, it all comes down to whether Nasreddine Nabi’s game model would actually suit Lepasa’s style of play.
“The first thing you have to ask is: what kind of striker does the coach want?” Khan asked.
“In the past, Chiefs have gone for tall, physical strikers—like they did with Chivaviro—but that didn’t quite work out.”
Khan described Lepasa as more of a ‘false 9’ type player, someone who drops deep, helps build play, and creates space for others.
But while he praised the striker’s technical abilities, he also brought up the stats: only 16 goals and 2 assists in 63 appearances.
Still, he acknowledged that Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos clearly sees something special in Lepasa—he’s included him in the squad for the upcoming CHAN tournament.
A Trend of Pirates Players Heading to Naturena
Interestingly, this wouldn’t be the first time Chiefs have picked up players let go by the Buccaneers.
Last season, they brought in Bongani Sam, though he never featured in a game.
And just this pre-season, the Glamour Boys have signed Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako, both recently released by Orlando Pirates.
So the question now is: Should Kaizer Chiefs take a chance on Zakhele Lepasa? Would this be a shrewd signing or just another short-term solution?
What Do You Think?
Fans are already debating the move, and your opinion counts too.
Would you back Amakhosi to go after Lepasa?
