Newly promoted Durban City FC are actively working to strengthen their squad ahead of their debut Betway Premiership campaign, with an experienced striker on their radar.
Following their participation in the recent KZN Premier Cup, where they suffered defeat to eventual winners Richards Bay, the club has identified key areas requiring reinforcement before the 2025/26 season kicks off.
READ: Pirates Move On From Zambian Striker After Trial
Siya sources have stated that Durban City have set their sights on former Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa, who was recently released by the Buccaneers.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Durban City chairman Farouk Kadodia confirmed the club's interest in the 28-year-old forward.
"Yes, we are interested in Zakhele Lepasa. He is a very good striker who could really help us at a team. We have spoken to his agent, and we are waiting for him to come back to us, and then we will take it from there. But seriously, we are interested in him and he has worked with coach Gavin Hunt before and he knows him very well," Kadodia told Soccer Laduma.
The chairman acknowledged that the club faces stiff competition for Lepasa's signature, potentially from teams with greater financial resources.
"I understand there are other clubs who are also interested in Zakhele Lepasa, and you know in football it's all about money and who offers you better money, and we may lose out on him because of that, but we are looking at having him in the team if we can," Kadodia confirmed.
READ: 10 Of The Top Confirmed PSL Signings In July
Lepasa, who is currently with the South African CHAN squad, last featured for Orlando Pirates during the 2023/24 season, where he made many appearances and found the back of the net on a few occasions. The striker didn't play last season after recovering from injury and was subsequently released by the club as part of their end-of-season restructuring.
The potential acquisition of Lepasa could provide Durban City with valuable top flight experience as they prepare for the challenges of Premiership football under the guidance of experienced coach Hunt.
Soccer Laduma contacted Lepasa's agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, for comment, but received no response at the time of publishing.
