Mbule explains why he chose Orlando Pirates after Sundowns exit

Sipho Mbule says the belief shown in him by Orlando Pirates and advice from coaches, including Rulani, persuaded him to join the club after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mbule became a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season, when Sundowns opted not to renew his contract. He had spent the previous campaign on loan at Sekhukhune United.

The midfielder said he had several alternatives, including an approach from Kaizer Chiefs, but was encouraged to choose Pirates.

“Firstly, my contract with Sundowns ended,” Mbule said during SuperSport TV’s series GIANTS.

“There’s other teams also that wanted to sign me. Even Chiefs approached me, you see.

“The people and coaches, and coach Rulani I spoke to told me the best team is Pirates. Because I think there was an opportunity for him to make a comeback.

“When they signed me, they showed me ‘we believe in this boy’. So, the least that you gotta do is work as hard as you can and show them why they signed you,” he added.

Pirates offered Mbule what he described as a fresh opportunity, but his time at the club lasted only one season. He made 21 appearances, with most of those coming during the early part of the campaign.

Despite the midfielder’s departure, Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi spoke highly of Mbule’s ability and ranked him among the most gifted players he had worked with.

“Mbule is in the top five talented players that I’ve worked with throughout my life as a coach,” Ncikazi stated.

Ncikazi also stressed that talent alone would not guarantee a place in the team, saying Mbule required the right guidance and had to meet the standards expected at Pirates.

“He needs guidance, talent alone does not make you succeed. In our club there’s certain standards that you must meet for you to be eligible for selection.

“In terms of weight, in terms of minutes that you have gathered throughout the week. There is a breathalyser almost every day.”