Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa returns after 373 days out!

Orlando Pirates welcomed back Zakhele Lepasa back on the pitch in a competitive match for the first time in 373 days.

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Lepasa came on a second half substitute as the Sea Robbers beat AmaZulu 2-1 to move up to second on the PSL log on Thursday.

And this marked Lepasa’s first appearance for Pirates this season – he got injured in December 2020 during a warm-up session for the match against Chippa United.

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LEPASA SAYS THANK YOU…

Lepasa thanked every member of the Pirates medical team, the technical team, his agent Alex Shahim and every supporter who prayed for him.

“After 373 days out injured, I’d love to thank every medical staff that was involved in helping me get back. Every Doctor, nurse, physios and bios that I worked with, I am truly grateful.

“Special thanks to Orlando Pirates medical team and technical team. I wouldn’t be here without any of you. I was a difficult person to deal with at times but we pulled through. A big thank you to every one of my teammates, you guys pushed me and still believed in me, I love you, gents!

“A special thanks to Alex Shahim I can never explain how lucky I feel to be managed by you. You believe in me so much. To my family and close friends, I will always cherish you guys in my heart. You have been with me since day one and I will never forget that.

And lastly, thank you to everyone that wished me well tonight and in the past months. This is what I prayed for. This is what we prayed for. It feels good to wear that beautiful jersey again.” 

Zakhele Lepasa