Lepasa return offers Siwelele timely lift before Kaizer Chiefs test

Siwelele FC have been handed a boost with Zakhele Lepasa returning from injury and making his first appearance since April.

The 29-year-old came on for the final six minutes of Siwelele’s 3-2 defeat by Marumo Gallants at the weekend, giving head coach Godfrey Mosoetsa a potentially important positive as his side attempt to climb the table.

Lepasa’s return comes at a crucial stage of the campaign, with Siwelele currently 14th after collecting six points from their opening nine games. They have scored only nine goals, while Michael Nguessan and Vincent Pule are their leading scorers with two apiece.

The striker could play a significant role in improving those numbers if he can regain full fitness following ankle surgery. His brief outing against Marumo Gallants was his first competitive action since April, ending a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Lepasa has won 18 international caps and was part of the South Africa squad that claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast under Hugo Broos. He is also regarded as one of the league’s most natural finishers.

He joined the club in 2025 after spending time on loan at SuperSport United from Orlando Pirates. That move came before the club was rebranded as Siwelele, and Lepasa will now be hoping to build on his return and eventually lead the attack.

Mosoetsa is a celebrated youth coach who was appointed to take charge of the club and succeed Lehlohonolo Seema, who was moved to the DStv Diski Challenge set-up. His first five matches in charge have produced two wins, one draw and two defeats.

Siwelele’s next fixture will provide a demanding test as they travel to FNB Stadium on Friday to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout Cup.

Kaizer Chiefs will be looking to respond after suffering a 2-1 defeat by Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at the weekend, leaving both teams with added pressure heading into the cup meeting.