Zakhele Lepasa has caught the trophy bug
In the profession of acting there is a thing called the acting bug and once it bites all an individual wants to do is act, either on a stage or screen; the bug also exists in football, and its called the trophy bug, once it bites a footballer, all they want to do is win trophies.
The trophy bug creates an animal ambition, an untamed desire to win, a mentality that’s focused on winning the next trophy.
For Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa, the trophy bug caught when he lifted the Nedbank Cup two seasons ago while he was on loan at TS Galaxy. Going into this new season, where the Soweto Giants will be competing in five competitions, the 23-year-old is eager to add more medals and satisfy his trophy bug.
“I want to see us lifting trophies and putting the team back on the map. It’ll do us good as individuals and the fans will be kept happy again. I also want to have the best season I have ever had, “said Lepasa.
There is always pressure when playing for a big team like Orlando Pirates, the club has not won a trophy in many years, and that’s added pressure for the players, but for Lepasa the pressure is welcomed, the demand that comes with playing the team he always wanted to play for.
“I’m happy to be part of the Orlando Pirates team, it’s something I have always wanted. I embrace it, the pressure. I want to play to at the highest level, and for that you have to love being under pressure. It brings growth, its uncomfortable but its good for you as a player.”
At the helm at Pirates, is German coach Josef Zinnbauer who steered the side to a third-place finish in the league last season after he arrived at the club midseason. The arrival of the 50-year-old, was a new lease of life for Lepasa and he is fond of him.
“He has improved me in a lot of areas and one of them is my run rate off the ball and work rate. I don’t think he’s too different from other coaches. He came in at a time when we needed someone who will believe in us, and he joined with no South African football experience.
He had to give everyone a chance to prove themselves and that helped a lot. I understood what he wanted, and I think he took his time to see my abilities and weakness. I just had to put in extra work and effort to prove to him I can play,”
Lepasa was able to repay the faith his coach had in him during the resumption of football, when he got the winning goal in a victory against SuperSport United, the goal was also his for the club to ease the weight on his shoulders.
“I was so happy to score, and a bit relieved, knowing that all I have been working hard for paid off. What was better is that the team won after six winless games, it boosted the mood in the bubble and it helped us get 3rd position,” added Lepasa.
With preseason underway and the new season scheduled to start, Lepasa will be looking to add on to add more trophies and goals to his name.
