TS Galaxy president Tim Sukazi has shed light on the conditions under which he would consider re-signing Zakhele Lepasa, the former Orlando Pirates striker who recently became a free agent.
Lepasa’s departure from the Buccaneers last week, following a season plagued by injury that saw him make no appearances, has opened the door for him to join a new club. His release coincided with the arrival of Yanela Mbuthuma at Orlando Pirates.
Lepasa, a Bafana Bafana international, is currently with the national team preparing for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Read: Orlando Pirates reveals new captain ahead of new season
He even featured in a recent friendly match against Angola, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
A Memorable Past with TS Galaxy
Lepasa has a significant history with TS Galaxy, stemming from a highly successful loan spell during the 2018/2019 season. It was during this time that the Orlando Pirates academy graduate etched his name into the club’s history, scoring the decisive goal that led the Rockets to a historic Nedbank Cup victory.
This triumph saw TS Galaxy become the first-ever lower-division team to lift the prestigious trophy after a memorable 1-0 victory over Kaizer Chiefs.
Sukazi’s Stance on a Potential Return
Despite their shared history, Tim Sukazi indicated that the ball is firmly in Lepasa’s court. “The Lepasa chapter is closed, unless he decides he wants to come home,” Sukazi told Ikwekwezi FM as quoted by FARPost.
“The door is always open. I discovered him, and he has my number [to call me if he’s interested in joining TS Galaxy]. I’m unsure of where his and his agent’s headspace is.”
Sukazi emphasized that he wouldn’t actively pursue Lepasa. “In situations like this, I can’t chase after him. If he wants to come home, he knows what to do,” he stated.
The TS Galaxy president also speculated on Lepasa’s potential aspirations, noting, “Sometimes it becomes easy for players who’ve played for Orlando Pirates to secure deals overseas. A lot of players are moving outside South Africa. Maybe he’s exploring his options.”