In a recent press conference, Orlando Pirates’ head coach, Jose Riveiro, shed light on the invaluable contribution of striker Zakhele Lepasa to the team’s success, emphasizing that his role extends far beyond just scoring goals. Riveiro expressed his hope that the club’s dedicated supporters would recognize and appreciate the comprehensive efforts put forth by Lepasa, even when he’s not hitting the back of the net.
Traditionally, the spotlight tends to shine brightest on goal scorers, often overlooking the less glamorous yet equally crucial roles players undertake to ensure the team’s cohesion and triumph on the field. In the case of Zakhele Lepasa, Riveiro is eager to emphasize the multifaceted nature of his contributions.
Riveiro elaborated, “Zakhele is not just about the goals he scores; his impact goes beyond the score sheet. He’s a player who constantly works to create opportunities for his teammates, pressuring opponents, and maintaining a strong defensive presence.”
Lepasa’s commitment to the team’s success goes hand in hand with his exceptional work rate and versatility on the pitch. While goals may be the most celebrated aspect of his performance, Riveiro stressed that Lepasa’s dedication to tracking back, supporting the midfield, and applying pressure to opponents has been instrumental in the team’s overall strategy.
“Zakhele’s involvement in the build-up play, his ability to hold up the ball, and his off-the-ball movement often create space and openings for other players to exploit,” Riveiro explained.
While fans and spectators tend to fixate on goal-scoring statistics, Riveiro’s words provide a timely reminder of the importance of a holistic approach to the game.
The forward is the darling of Bucs’ faithful right now, but Lepasa has had a long love-hate relationship with the fans who sometimes troll the player on social media.
Speaking after a quarterfinal where Lepasa might easily have scored four goals as he missed a penalty, Riveiro said a striker’s role is about much more than just scoring goals.
“I cannot tell our fans what to think or what to do — they are football fans and mature. They watch the games and sometimes they have opinions about what we do,” Riveiro said.
Source:
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/soccer/2023-08-13-riveiro-makes-plea-to-orlando-pirates-supporters-on-red-hot-zakhele-lepasa/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjDy9Xa0tmAAxXSr5UCHXbbBzMQ0PADegQIBRAL&usg=AOvVaw36kg9WB3doldAlh2cjUiF6
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