Latest news with #Mbule
The South African
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates player told to thank ancestors and God
They call him the Master Chef. Orlando Pirates will compete in next season's Betway Premiership with Sipho Mbule as one of the new options in central midfield. The 27-year-old from Bethlehem, Free State, was available on a free transfer after Mamelodi Sundowns opted against a contract renewal on his expired deal. According to reports, Mbule lost his place at Sundowns after he had reported for training under the influence of alcohol. His agent, Mike Makaab, soon offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs, but Amakhosi seemingly took too long to make a decision. Kaizer Chiefs news: Amakhosi money and another star from Europe Sipho Mbule at Sekhukhune United. Image: SuperSport TV While many were still anticipating Amakhosi's decision, the Buccaneers astounded the nation via X, Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday: 'Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Sipho Mbule to the Club,' the short statement ended. Orlando Pirates news: Sipho Mbule and a special meeting According to Khanye, whose playing career was cut short due to the same ill-discipline with alcohol, Mbule should realise he is a lucky man. Khanye feels that the new Orlando Pirates midfielder, given the due commitment and discipline, has the talent to make the Bafana Bafana squad for Afcon 2025. 'Let me be honest, I'm surprised, and he is very lucky,' said Khanye on iDiski TV . 'But he must know one thing, this is a last chance he has now because we have seen players previously at the club who have had the same problems, and they got rid of them. 'Even though fans loved them, the club got rid of them and their careers ended. If you leave Orlando Pirates under such a cloud, it's over. 'Mbule is so lucky, and he must thank his ancestors, God and age for being on his side. He really needs to understand that he is done if anything happens with him at Orlando Pirates. 'I compliment his God-given talent. The boy is one of the best, one of the most talented players, and I cannot wait to see him play with [Patrick] Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, [Mohau] Nkota and [Tshegofatso] Mabasa. 'It's his last chance and if he trains properly, get game time he may even go to the AFCON if he gets his act together,' Khanye concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Sipho Mbule and a special meeting
Sipho Mbule, a popular midfield maestro in Mzansi football, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' Orlando Pirates news: Biokineticist and Pogiso Makhoye Sipho Mbule during his loan spell at Sekhukhune United from Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Sowetan According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. 'At 26 or 27, we shouldn't be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you're an adult,' Mabalane told Soccer Laduma . 'He's not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself…Full story here. Orlando Pirates: Special meeting for eight new players Orlando Pirates, a Leading Betway Premiership club, sealed eight new signings this week. The list includes Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, and Sihle Nduli. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting for the new Orlando Pirates footballers. Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. 'We were inducting our new players to give them a proper understanding of what to expect,' club legend Moloi told KickOff . 'We emphasised that their lives, as well as those of their immediate family members, changed the moment they signed with the club… Full story here. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates legend sends a serious message to Sipho Mbule
Sipho Mbule, one of the most beloved players in the local game, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' Dylan Cox joins Orlando Pirates Sipho Mbule at Sekhukhune United. Image: SuperSport TV According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. 'At 26 or 27, we shouldn't be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you're an adult,' Mabalane told Soccer Laduma . 'He's not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself. Kaizer Chiefs to announce player from Portugal? 'He is past the stage in life where he should be looked after. He should look after himself. It's all up to him and no one else. We can't ask how do we look after him. Does he want it and how much does he want it? He's got another chance now. 'Not a lot of players get an opportunity to move from a big club to another big club. So, he's still got a bit of luck on his side and it's up to him. There is no question that he is talented and has a football brain. Some people are just born with it,' Mabalane explained. 'He's a quality player and needs to play consistently. He needs to find a home where he can settle and stamp his authority,' Mabalane continued. 'That's what's missing in his game. We've seen his potential and we know he's a good player, but now we need to see that on a more consistent basis. Maybe Pirates will give him that platform. 'There are footballers who work hard. They are good footballers because they work hard. And then you have gifted footballers. He is a gifted footballer. He does not really work hard to prove himself, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't work hard. He's got a football brain because things come easy to him. Now he must bring in a work ethic to complement his gift,' the former speedy winger concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates to back new coach with another big target?
Orlando Pirates backed new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou by signing one of his prime targets in Sipho Mbule. Pirates took to their social media to confirm the signing of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Mbule. Mbule joins Pirates aș a free agent, this after parting ways with Sundowns. The 27-year-old saw an option on his deal not exercised by the Brazilians, after they had loaned him out to Sekhukhune United. The player showed flashes of brilliance during his time at BaBina Nako. But he was ultimately released early by the club due to ill discipline. Having signed, an old clip has resurfaced on social media of new Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou talking up Mbule. But before then, he mentioned another player of a Sundowns persuasion in Neo Maema. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, the Buccaneers could try lure the player to the club for their new coach. It is thought, however, that they will be facing strong competition from arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs ! 'Yes, the club is believed to have made enquiries about Maema. Actually he was the first one even before Sipho Mbule. It has to be seen what will be the next move because apparently he still has one year on his contract with Sundowns. And Kaizer Chiefs are also believed to be interested in him,' said the source. Another source speaking to the same publication but closer Maema says he could pick either of Chiefs or Pirates. Hinting that his decision will be made according to where he gets more game time guarantee. 'At the moment the player (Maema) also seems to he looking at the opportunity of moving away from Sundowns to go and play regularly somewhere. It could be at Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs depending on which club really needs him. But the player apparently just wants to play regularly,' said the source. Pirates fans, how happy would you be if you got both Mbule and Maema? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Versatile Sipho Mbule can spark a new era at Orlando Pirates
Sipho Mbule will want to hit the ground running after completing a move to Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Comment by Obakeng Meletse Orlando Pirates have sent a strong message to their rivals ahead of the new Premiership season, stepping up their transfer activity in a bid to close the gap on serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns. With their eyes firmly set on the league title, the Buccaneers have made a significant early move in the market by securing the services of former Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule – one of the most naturally gifted midfielders in South African football. While Sundowns are proudly flying the South African flag at the Fifa Club World Cup, Pirates are plotting their downfall. The shock signing of Mbule from the Brazilians has not only stunned many, but also signalled that Pirates mean business. Mbule's arrival is more than just a high-profile acquisition – it represents a calculated step towards building a squad capable of dethroning the current champions. Linked in the past with Kaizer Chiefs, Mbule has long been admired for his footballing talent. Despite facing a fair share of off-field challenges, he remains a top-tier player when focused, and it is no surprise that both Chiefs and Pirates were monitoring his availability. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Sipho Mbule to the Club. ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 24, 2025 Now, Pirates have pulled the trigger, and if Mbule can finally realise his full potential, this could turn out to be one of the most inspired signings of the season. Still only 27, the former SuperSport United midfielder was part of a dominant Sundowns set-up under coach Rulani Mokwena, and enjoyed glimpses of success. However, his recent loan spell at Sekhukhune United ended abruptly, with disciplinary issues once again casting a shadow over his career. The move to Pirates now provides a timely opportunity for a reset – a chance to finally move past those hurdles, and focus on what he does best: playing football. It's a move that aligns perfectly with the new direction at Mayfair, with Pirates set to embark on a fresh chapter under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The Moroccan tactician replaces Jose Riveiro, who left after his contract expired at the end of last season. Ouaddou inherits a team with a strong foundation of youth and flair that was built over the last few seasons, and Mbule could be the missing piece in a side on the cusp of real progress. This is arguably the best time to join the Sea Robbers. With a youthful squad already brimming with potential, what the team needed was a touch of finesse, composure and quality in depth – particularly in midfield. 🚨𝐂𝐋𝐔𝐁 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒🚨 Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as Head Coach. Read More : 𝐁𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦 ! ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 23, 2025 And Mbule offers all of that. He has the ability to control the tempo, break down defences with his vision and stay composed under pressure, making him a vital cog in transitions and build-up play. More than his technical skill, it's his versatility that will be of great value to Ouaddou. Whether deployed as a deep-lying playmaker, a central pivot or in a more advanced role, Mbule gives the coach multiple options –something Pirates lacked towards the end of last season, when injuries and fatigue set in. As strange as it may sound considering his recent struggles, Mbule might be exactly the kind of impact player needed to tilt the scales in the title race. But for this move to bear fruit, it all comes down to the player's mindset. If he can finally commit fully to his craft and put distractions behind him, his time at Pirates could mark a major turning point – not only in his own career, but in the Buccaneers' pursuit of long-awaited league glory.
