Siwelele FC have received a major boost for their ambitions this season with Zakhele Lepasa returning from injury and making his first appearance since April.
The 29-year-old was afforded six minutes in their latest 3-2 defeat to Marumo Gallants this past weekend, which could mark the silver lining for head coach Godfrey Mosoetsa in their bid to get back up the table.
A legendary youth coach tasked to lead the club and succeed Lehlohonolo Seema, who was demoted to the DStv Diski Challenge set-up, his first five games in charge has brought two wins, a draw and two defeats.
Currently in 14th place, with six points from nine games, Siwelele have scored only nine goals, with Michael Nguessan and Vincent Pule top scorers with two each.
Lepasa could be key for their fortunes, should he get back to peak condition after having to bide his time back to the field of play, following ankle surgery.
With 18 international caps, he was part of the Africa Cup of Nations side that won bronze in 2024 in Ivory Coast under Hugo Broos and is recognised as one of the most natural finishers in the league.
He joined the club in 2025 after a loan spell with SuperSport United from Orlando Pirates – before the rebrand to Siwelele and will now be aiming to get back to full fitness to lead the line.
Their next challenge comes on Friday in the Carling Knockout Cup where they travel to FNB Stadium to face Kaizer Chiefs, wounded after their 2-1 loss in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates this past weekend.