Zakhele Lepasa is determined to fight for his place at Orlando Pirates despite news that has been suggesting otherwise, the Siya crew has been informed.
Following the player's limited game time last season by his standards, there have been talks of him possibly going out on loan again, with the striker having previously been in that situation in the 2022/23 season when he was sent to SuperSport United.
Read – Mntambo: Monare Knows What He Needs To Do
What fuelled the 27-year-old's exit rumours is the fact that he didn't feature in any of Bucs' four pre-season friendly matches in Spain.
However, the Buccaneers have since confirmed that the player has been nursing an injury.
Prior to the team's MTN8 quarter-final clash on Saturday against SuperSport, Pirates confirmed that Lepasa is undergoing rehab for an ankle injury without giving the exact date of his expected return.
Meanwhile, indications from close sources are that Lepasa has been working hard and targeted this season to come back strongly. However, his plans were disrupted by injury.
Read: Truter Moves, New Role Loading...
"One thing about Zakes (Lepasa) is that he is such a hard worker who takes his game seriously. He has been working hard to reclaim his place in the starting eleven and to score goals again. The injury is a bit of disruption, but it doesn't change his position in the team as he remains in plans," said the Siya source.
Tshegofatso Mabasa, who started the game against SuperSport remains the leading striker in coach Jose Riveiro's team, with the likes of Evidence Makgopa and Lepasa competing for the same position with him.
For all your exclusive football content and breaking news, join our WhatsApp Channel here.
