Zakhele Lepasa scores praise for grabbing rare opportunity

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer was impressed by the impact made by Zakhele Lepasa in 2-1 victory over Supersport United at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Just moments after being subbed on in place of leading PSL goal scorer Gabadinho Mhango, the 23-year-old netted what would end up the winner in his first appearance in the bubble.

Zakhele Lepasa gets off the mark

He had taken the field only for the third time this league in his first season back from a loan spell in the first division.

According to his German mentor, Lepasa had displayed readiness at training and transferred his good form there to the match, giving the Buccaneers their first win since the PSL restart.

“He gave us options in the last training sessions, he gave us signals that ‘I’m ready, I’m ready’, yes you need a bit of luck as a coach, you bring him in and with his first touch he scored,” Zinnbauer said.

“I’m happy he scored, he made good work. Long time he waits and comes in and now he gets the success, I’m happy about this.

“The last two games is a quick [turnaround] I know but the next game is important for me, now it’s important we have a good recovery and we have to see what will happen.”

Josef Zinnbauer, Orlando Pirates coach

Important win for Orlando Pirates

The goal was the second in four matches across competitions for Lepasa this season.

It restored Pirates’ advantage after first-half Vincent Pule’s opener was cancelled out by United’s Luke Fleurs just moments away from the break.

Zinnbauer said he was happy with the effort put on by his players, who delivered a crucial win for the Soweto giants.

“We put 200% every player on the field fought for the three points, we can feel this. It was key today that we win the game.”

Josef Zinnbauer, Orlando Pirates coach