Mosoetsa explains decision to bring Lepasa back into Siwelele squad

Siwelele head coach Godfrey Mosoetsa says Zakhele Lepasa was only recalled to the first-team squad after the striker had built up his fitness during the recent FIFA international break.

Lepasa made his first appearance of the 2026/27 season in Siwelele’s 3-2 defeat by Marumo Gallants last week. The match was his first competitive outing since April 2026.

The 28-year-old joined SuperSport United/Siwelele after leaving Orlando Pirates, where he had established himself as one of the club’s attacking options. He also represented Bafana Bafana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where Hugo Broos’ side won a bronze medal.

Mosoetsa, who has recently taken charge at Siwelele, said he had adopted a fresh approach with the squad and wanted every player to be assessed on their current performances rather than their previous circumstances.

“Zakhele, I think almost everyone in this room knows who Zakhele Lepasa is. So when I came to the team, the one thing I did, I said we’re starting on a clean slate and everyone will be given a fair chance,” Mosoetsa said.

“[This is] in terms of how they train, how they behave on and off the field, and Zakhele is one of the smartest players, on and off the field. So he is one player who is not scared to pose challenging questions, but he is still humble.”

The coach stressed that Lepasa’s return had been carefully managed rather than hurried. The international break gave the technical team time to establish a fitness base before deciding that the forward was ready to return to the matchday squad.

“So it was just a question of… he hasn’t played, so the FIFA break gave us a chance to form a base to start from, and then once I and the technical team felt that he is now ready, it’s when we said let’s bring him in [the team],” he added.

Although Siwelele were beaten by Marumo Gallants, Mosoetsa believes Lepasa can provide qualities the team needs as it attempts to improve its results.

The coach pointed to the forward’s experience of international football and the demands of top-flight competition as potentially important assets during a difficult period for the club.

“The game against Marumo was his first game [of the season] and going forward we hope that he will bring certain elements he’s known for. We need such players to get out of where we are. We need a lot of experienced players to be able to take out the woods,” Mosoetsa concluded.