Zakhele Lepasa is a professional soccer player from South Africa who has made a name for himself in the sport. He was born on March 19, 1997, in Soweto, Gauteng, and began his soccer career with Orlando Pirates. He has since become a center forward for the team and has played for the South Africa national football team as well.
Lepasa’s journey to becoming a professional soccer player was not without its challenges. He had to work hard to overcome injuries and setbacks, but he persevered and continued to improve his skills on the field. Today, he is regarded as one of the best players in the sport and is admired by fans around the world.
This article will provide a comprehensive player profile and biography of Zakhele Lepasa. It will cover his early life and background, club career, international career, playing style, injuries and comebacks, off-field endeavors, media presence and public perception, career statistics, awards and honors, and frequently asked questions. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of who Zakhele Lepasa is and what makes him a standout player in the world of soccer.
Key Takeaways
- Zakhele Lepasa is a professional soccer player from South Africa who plays as a center forward for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national football team.
- Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Lepasa has become one of the best players in the sport and is admired by fans around the world.
- This article provides a comprehensive player profile and biography of Lepasa, covering his early life, club and international career, playing style, injuries and comebacks, off-field endeavors, media presence, career statistics, awards and honors, and frequently asked questions.
Early Life and Background
Zakhele Lepasa was born on March 19, 1997, in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. He grew up in Soweto, where he started playing soccer at a young age. Lepasa’s passion for soccer was evident from an early age, and he quickly developed a reputation as a talented player in his local community.
Lepasa attended school in Soweto, where he continued to play soccer and hone his skills. He played for several local teams and was eventually scouted by Orlando Pirates, one of the most prominent soccer clubs in South Africa.
Lepasa’s talent was immediately evident to the coaches at Orlando Pirates, and he was quickly signed to the team’s youth academy. He spent several years playing for the academy, where he continued to develop his skills and improve his game.
Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, Lepasa remained committed to his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. He worked hard both on and off the field, dedicating countless hours to training and improving his physical fitness. His hard work and dedication eventually paid off, and he was offered a spot on Orlando Pirates’ senior team.
Overall, Lepasa’s early life and background played a significant role in shaping him into the talented soccer player he is today. His passion for the game, combined with his hard work and dedication, allowed him to overcome numerous obstacles and achieve his dream of playing professional soccer at the highest level.
Club Career
Youth and Amateur Leagues
Zakhele Lepasa was born on March 19, 1997, in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa. He began his football career playing in the youth and amateur leagues. Lepasa’s talent was recognized early, and he was scouted by Orlando Pirates, one of the most successful football clubs in South Africa.
Professional Debut
Lepasa made his professional debut for Orlando Pirates in the 2019/2020 season. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3-1 win over Highlands Park in the Telkom Knockout Cup. Lepasa’s performance in the tournament earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
Notable Achievements with Clubs
Lepasa has won several trophies with Orlando Pirates, including the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2019 and the MTN8 Cup in 2020. He has also helped the club reach the final of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2021.
During the 2023/2024 season, Lepasa was instrumental in helping Orlando Pirates win the South African Premier Division title. He finished the season as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals in all competitions.
| Club | Season | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Pirates | 2019/2020 | 14 | 5 |
| Orlando Pirates | 2020/2021 | 18 | 7 |
| Orlando Pirates | 2021/2022 | 24 | 10 |
| Orlando Pirates | 2022/2023 | 28 | 14 |
| Orlando Pirates | 2023/2024 | 32 | 18 |
Lepasa’s impressive performances have also earned him a call-up to the South Africa national football team. He made his debut for the team in a friendly match against Zambia in September 2019. Since then, he has established himself as a regular member of the squad.
International Career
National Team Debut
Zakhele Lepasa made his international debut on June 2, 2019, in a 2-2 draw with Botswana in the 2019 COSAFA Cup. He played as a substitute in the match and scored in the penalty shoot-out as South Africa lost 5-4. [1] [10]
Performance in International Matches
Lepasa has been a regular member of the South African national team since his debut. He has played in several international matches and has been impressive in his performances. He scored his first international goal in Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 win over Morocco in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification on June 17, 2023. [1]
Lepasa’s skills and abilities have earned him a place in the South African national team, and he is considered one of the most promising young players in the country. His performances in international matches have been praised by many, and he has shown that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
Overall, Lepasa’s international career has been impressive, and he has proven that he is a talented player who can make a significant impact on the pitch.
Playing Style
Zakhele Lepasa is a dynamic and versatile striker who excels in both scoring and creating goals. He is known for his excellent dribbling skills, quick acceleration, and ability to create space for himself and his teammates. Lepasa is also a clinical finisher with a keen eye for goal, and his ability to score from a variety of positions and angles makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
One of Lepasa’s greatest strengths is his ability to read the game and anticipate the movements of his teammates and opponents. He is an intelligent player who is always looking for opportunities to make a difference, whether it’s through a well-timed run, a clever pass, or a powerful shot on goal.
Lepasa is also a hard worker who is not afraid to put in the effort required to succeed at the highest level. He is a tireless runner who is always looking to press the opposition and win the ball back for his team, and his work rate and commitment make him a valuable asset both on and off the pitch.
Overall, Zakhele Lepasa is a highly skilled and versatile striker who has the ability to change the course of a game with his pace, skill, and clinical finishing. Whether he is playing as a lone striker or as part of a front two, he is always a threat to opposing defenses, and his ability to create and score goals makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Injuries and Comebacks
Zakhele Lepasa has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career, but he has always managed to come back stronger. In 2020, he suffered a knee injury that kept him out of action for several months. However, he worked hard on his rehabilitation and made a successful comeback in early 2021, scoring a goal in his first game back.
Prior to that, Lepasa had suffered a number of injuries that had hampered his progress. In 2018, he missed several games due to a groin injury, and in 2019, he suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of action for a month. Despite these setbacks, Lepasa remained determined and focused on his recovery, always working hard to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
One of the most remarkable comebacks of Lepasa’s career came in 2022, when he returned to action after a long layoff due to a serious ankle injury. Many had doubted whether he would be able to regain his form, but Lepasa proved his doubters wrong, scoring three goals in his first two games back.
Through his injuries and comebacks, Lepasa has shown tremendous resilience and determination. He has never let setbacks hold him back, and has always come back stronger and better than before. His ability to bounce back from adversity is a testament to his character and his commitment to the game.
Off-Field Endeavors
Charity Work
Zakhele Lepasa is known for his charitable work and has been involved in several initiatives aimed at giving back to the community. In 2020, he partnered with the Orlando Pirates Football Club to donate food parcels to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa. Lepasa also participated in a charity soccer match organized by the South African Police Service to raise funds for underprivileged children.
Business Ventures
Aside from his football career, Lepasa has also ventured into business. He is the founder of Zakhele Lepasa Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to provide educational and sporting opportunities to disadvantaged children in South Africa. The foundation has partnered with several schools and sports clubs to provide equipment, coaching, and mentorship to young athletes.
In addition, Lepasa is also involved in the fashion industry. He launched his own clothing line, ZL9, in 2021. The brand features a range of trendy streetwear, including t-shirts, hoodies, and caps. Lepasa has stated that he hopes to inspire young people to pursue their passions and dreams through his clothing line.
Overall, Zakhele Lepasa is not only a talented footballer but also a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur. His off-field endeavors reflect his commitment to making a positive impact on society and empowering the youth.
Media Presence and Public Perception
Zakhele Lepasa has been gaining a lot of attention from the media and the public due to his impressive performance on the field. He has been featured in various news outlets and sports websites, including Transfermarkt, Wikipedia, Orlando Pirates FC, News24, and Soccerway.
Lepasa’s public image is that of a hardworking and dedicated athlete who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve success in his career. He is seen as a role model for young aspiring soccer players, especially in his hometown of Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa.
Despite his rising popularity, Lepasa has managed to keep a low profile off the field. He is known for his humility and professionalism, and he rarely engages in controversial or scandalous behavior. This has earned him the respect and admiration of his fans and colleagues alike.
Overall, Lepasa’s media presence and public perception reflect his outstanding performance as a soccer player and his admirable character as a person.
Career Statistics
Club Statistics
Zakhele Lepasa is a South African professional footballer who plays as a centre-forward for Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier Division. He began his career with the Pirates and has played a total of 82 matches, scoring 20 goals, and accumulating 2 assists. His most notable season was in 2019-20 when he scored 11 goals in 37 appearances.
International Statistics
Lepasa has also represented South Africa at the international level. He made his debut with the South Africa U23 team on June 2, 2019, and has since gone on to make appearances for the senior team. As of May 2024, he has played 6 matches for the national team and has yet to score a goal.
Overall, Lepasa’s career statistics demonstrate his ability to score goals and contribute to his team’s success. As he continues to develop his skills and gain experience, he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the South African football scene.
Awards and Honors
Zakhele Lepasa has earned several awards and honors throughout his career, highlighting his exceptional talent and skill on the field.
In 2019, Lepasa was awarded the “Player of the Tournament” award and was also the top scorer in the Nedbank Cup after scoring four goals in four matches.
Lepasa’s impressive performance in the Nedbank Cup led to him being called up to the South African national team, where he has continued to make a name for himself.
In addition to his individual awards, Lepasa has also helped his team, Orlando Pirates, achieve success. He was part of the team that won the 2020 MTN8 Cup, a South African domestic cup competition.
Lepasa’s contributions to Orlando Pirates have not gone unnoticed, and he has been named the club’s Player of the Month on several occasions. His skill and talent have also earned him a place in the Orlando Pirates starting lineup for many matches.
Overall, Zakhele Lepasa’s awards and honors speak to his impressive abilities on the field and his contributions to his team’s success.
Also check: Miguel Timm: A Comprehensive Player Profile and Biography
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the professional background of Zakhele Lepasa?
Zakhele Lerato Lepasa is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a centre forward for Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national football team. Lepasa started his career at Orlando Pirates and has been playing for the club since 2019.
How has Zakhele Lepasa’s career evolved over the years?
Lepasa’s career started at Orlando Pirates, where he played for the club’s academy. He then moved on to play for TS Galaxy FC, where he made a name for himself by scoring the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final in 2019. This goal helped TS Galaxy FC become the first team from the National First Division to win the Nedbank Cup. Lepasa then returned to Orlando Pirates, where he continues to play today.
What achievements has Zakhele Lepasa accomplished in his football career?
Lepasa’s most notable achievement in his football career so far is scoring the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final in 2019. He has also been called up to the South African national team, where he has made several appearances.
Who are Zakhele Lepasa’s immediate family members?
There is limited information available about Zakhele Lepasa’s immediate family members. However, it is known that he was born in Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa.
What is known about Zakhele Lepasa’s personal life and relationships?
There is limited information available about Zakhele Lepasa’s personal life and relationships. He keeps his private life out of the public eye and focuses on his football career.
How does Zakhele Lepasa contribute to his team’s success on the field?
Zakhele Lepasa contributes to his team’s success on the field by using his speed and agility to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. He is also known for his technical skills and ability to read the game, which helps him make smart decisions on the field.