Riveiro Explains Career Best Lepasa Form At Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained the incredible run of form of Zakhele Lepasa that’s seen him net nine goals in his first seven games this season.

Lepasa was loaned out last January after failing to solidify his place in the starting line-up under the Spaniard and went on to score two goals for SuperSport United over six months.

Despite not finding his feet completely he was called up to the Bafana Bafana squad by head coach Hugo Broos and scored in the game against Liberia to send South Africa to the Africa Cup of Nations and a brace in the historic 2-1 win over African giants Morocco.

But his return to Pirates in the off-season saw speculation rise over a potential exit as it was suggested he wanted to leave for regular first-team football in order to stake his claim ahead of AFCON in January.

But he’s started the season in incredible form, which Riveiro says is down to hard work and the supply he’s receiving from the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi, Monnapule Saleng and co.

“We need to make sure our forwards, our nines, tens, our wingers, the ones who are coming from the second line has chances,” Riveiro said about Lepasa’s form.

“So we try to generate as much chances as possible so I think we’re used to doing it, so that’s our obsession, to spend as much time as possible in the half of the opponent.

“In the second half [against Cape Town City], it was tough to do it because of the way the Cape Town [City] were pressing, so if we manage to spend [that time there], and being capable of having the team playing close to the goal for long periods, with the quality we have in front, it’s going to work for us.

“It’s what’s happening, that’s why the forwards are scoring, that’s why the goals this season are a bit more spread within the group, even though Zakes is in a very good moment of form.

“He’s in that moment where strikers have confidence, even when it’s the rebound or from long range today, heading, you can see he’s in a good space, and we just need to try and continue that whoever is playing there, Zakes or anyone else in that position, like I said the forwards can have those situations.

“Luckily for them, you see the quality of the players behind them, I think they will have a lot of fun.”

ICYMI: Orlando Stadium to host Bafana friendlies

Lepasa is expected to be named in the final 23-man Bafana squad this afternoon for the upcoming games against Nambia and DR Congo at Orlando Stadium next month.