Stellenbosch head coach Steve Barker says Zakhele Lepasa was always destined for the top, insisting he is not surprised to see the striker in great form at Orlando Pirates.
Barker, who worked with Lepasa in the past, says he is happy to see his former player shining in SA’s topflight.
Barker coached Zakhele Lepasa when the latter was at Stellenbosch on loan from Pirates in the 2018/19 campaign.
At the time Stellies were competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Lepasa is in the form of his life as the Soweto-born forward has scored nine goals in seven games in all competitions in the new season so far.
Barker stated that Lepasa has always been a talented and hard working player. The Stellies coach was addressing the media ahead of his reunion with Lepasa this afternoon (Sunday) in the MTN8. Pirates travel to Stellenbosch for the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final at Athlone Stadium (15:00).
BARKER REFLECTS ON LEPASA’S TIME AT STELLENBOSCH
“I’m very pleased for Lepasa. He had a short stint with us six months on loan,” said Barker. “At the time, (Iqraam) Rayners was doing really well for us so it was a bit difficult for him (Lepasa) to break into the squad.
“So somebody reminded me the other day, saying that ‘ja, you’ve had some nice strikers at your club, hey’ Ashley Du Preez, Lepasa, Rayners’. “So I said, ‘ja no, it’s always nice to work with players that know how to score’ and Zakes has always been a hardworking, really talented footballer who takes his craft seriously.
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“Even when he was here, I think that long injury that he had set him back but to overcome that, overcome criticism from fans and that, and to still then be performing the way he has, must credit must go to him. Barker added: “We know he’s dangerous in and around the box, he’s got a really good finish on him. She is playing with confidence also. So he’s definitely somebody that we have to keep a lid on.
“So, I’m glad for him and we have to keep him quiet. Yes. And (Monnapule) Saleng and (Patrick) Masangwanyi, and others.”