A former Orlando Pirates defender has offered an advice to Zakhele Lepasa who has faced challenges in securing playing time since the previous season.
The 27-year-old forward has seen his position diminish as Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa have excelled in their performances since in the mid-last season.
Lepasa did not participate in any of the matches during the pre-season training camp held in Spain.
Edward Motale, a former Buccaneers defender, has encouraged Lepasa to remain resilient and compete for his position at Pirates.
He is confident that the former TS Galaxy striker can make a significant impact for the Sea Robbers whenever he is in peak form.
LEPASA URGED NOT TO LEAVE ORLANDO PIRATES
“He is still young. There is no need for him to rush. He should not leave Orlando Pirates,” said Motale to Soccer Laduma.
“He should stay and fight for his place in the team. We have all seen what he can do when he is on form.
“Now that he is returning from injury he should give his best and show us his capabilities of playing for a big team like Orlando Pirates.
“He has been on loan before and did very well. Now it's time for him to stay and fight. Fight very hard.”
Motale says staying at Pirates is the only way for Lepasa to return to the national team. Lepasa was part of the squad that competed in the AFCON in Ivory Coast earlier this year.
‘HE IS CAPABLE OF DOING ALL THAT’
“For him to bounce back to the national team he should stay at Pirates and fight,”
“That fighting spirit will take him to the starting line-up at Pirates, then gradually to the national team. We have seen what he can do when wearing the Bafana jersey.
“So I say to him to stay at Pirates. Win things and bounce back to the national team. He is capable of doing all that.”
