SIWELELE FC caretaker coach Godfrey Mosoetsa believes Zakhele Lepasa can help the club fight their way out of trouble.
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The experienced striker recently returned to action after struggling for game time and has been given a fresh chance under Mosoetsa.
Lepasa (28), a former Orlando Pirates forward, made his first appearance for Siwelele against Marumo Gallants after using the recent Fifa international break to work on his fitness levels.
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Mosoetsa said every player started on a clean slate when he took charge, and Lepasa has shown the hunger needed to make an impact.
“Zakhele, I think almost everyone knows who Zakhele Lepasa is. When I came to the team, one thing I made clear to everybody was that we were starting on a clean slate,” said Mosoetsa.
“Everyone would get a fair chance based on how they train and how they behave, both on and off the field. Zakhele is one of the smartest players, on and off the field. He’s someone who’s not afraid to ask challenging questions, but he remains humble.”
The coach said Lepasa wasn’t rushed back into action because he first needed time to rebuild his fitness levels.
He added that the technical team was happy with his progress before handing him a chance against Gallants.
“It was just a question of him not having played. The Fifa break gave us an opportunity for him to build a base to start from. Once I felt, together with some of the technical team members, that he was ready, that’s when we decided to bring him in.
“We hope he’ll bring the elements he’s known for. We need players like him, especially experienced players, to help us get out of where we are,” he said.
Mosoetsa is also looking forward to Siwelele’s Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final against Kaizer Chiefs.
The two sides meet at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday, 8 November, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Mosoetsa expects a lively atmosphere, knowing Chiefs fans travel in big numbers wherever Amakhosi play.
“We’re looking forward to this one, especially playing against Kaizer Chiefs, a team that has a lot of supporters everywhere.
“But it’s also a game that players are looking forward to playing,” said Mosoetsa.
