Mbule set for Al Hilal test as ex-Sundowns star builds up Zakho fitness

South Africa midfielder Sipho Mbule is poised to line up against Saudi Arabian heavyweights Al Hilal next month as his new club Zakho SC continue their preparations for the new season.

Mbule, who left Mamelodi Sundowns for the Iraqi Premier League side, is expected to feature when Zakho meet Al Hilal on 5 August in a pre-season fixture, according to Alrabiaa Sport.

The match will hand the 26-year-old a familiar measuring stick: Al Hilal recently faced his former club Sundowns in Austria, where the Saudi Pro League champions recorded a 2-0 victory courtesy of a brace from Malcom.

Zakho debut in heavy defeat

Mbule has already pulled on a Zakho shirt for the first time, making his unofficial debut on Sunday in a friendly against Turkish Super Lig club Antalyaspor.

The South African was named in the starting line-up but could not prevent a 3-0 defeat in what was Zakho’s opening outing of their pre-season schedule.

The fixture marked Mbule’s first taste of match action for the Iraqi side since his move from Mamelodi Sundowns, as he begins the process of adapting to a new league and environment.

Coaching staff at Zakho are expected to use the remaining friendly matches, including the high-profile clash with Al Hilal, to build fitness and refine their tactical approach ahead of the new campaign.

Al Hilal provide familiar benchmark

For Mbule, the upcoming encounter with Al Hilal mirrors the kind of opposition he regularly faced with Sundowns in continental and international friendlies.

The Saudi club’s recent win over Sundowns in Austria – secured through Malcom’s two goals – underlined the level Zakho will be up against when the sides meet.

Although the match is a pre-season contest, it will offer Zakho a clear indication of their readiness for competitive action, while giving Mbule another chance to stake a claim for a regular starting role.

New season timelines still unclear

Mbule’s first official competitive appearance for Zakho is likely to come only later in the year, with the 2026/27 Iraqi Premier League campaign expected to start around September.

However, the precise dates and full fixture list for the season have not yet been confirmed by the league authorities.

Until then, Mbule will continue to build match sharpness in friendlies as Zakho step up their preparations, with the looming showdown against Al Hilal set to be the sternest examination of their pre-season to date.