Barker and Lepasa to reunite; Orlando Pirates out for revenge

Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker says his side should keep Orlando Pirates striker Zakhele Lepasa in check ahead of the MTN8 semi-final.

The Buccaneers and Stellies square off at the Athlone Stadium in the first leg of the MTN8 on Sunday afternoon.

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Barker has worked with Lepasa in the 2018/19 season when the striker was on loan to Stellenbosch FC.

Barker prepared to beat Pirates once again

“I’m very pleased for Lepasa,” Barker was quoted on iDiski Times..

“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’.

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“So I said, ‘ja no, it’s always nice to work with players that know how to score’ and Zakes has always been a hard-working, really talented footballer who takes his craft seriously,” he said.

Barker said the in-form Pirates striker spent six months on loan but found it very difficult to break into the squad.

“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.”

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If Stellies are to frustrate Pirates on Sunday afternoon, the Cape side needs to keep Lepasa quiet.

“We know he’s dangerous in and around the box, he’s got a really good finish on him. So he is playing with confidence also. So he’s definitely somebody that we have to keep a lid on.

“So ja, I’m glad for him and we have to keep him quiet. Yes. And Saleng and Masangwani, and others,” Barker said.

Stellies have already beaten Pirates this season and the Soweto giants will surely be out for revenge.

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