Mokwena explains why he advised Mbule to join Orlando Pirates

Pyramids FC coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed that he advised Sipho Mbule to join Orlando Pirates after the midfielder asked for his opinion on a possible move.

Mokwena said Mbule’s technical ability, flair and control made him a natural fit for a club whose supporters have traditionally valued players capable of entertaining them with the ball.

Speaking exclusively to the South African Football Journalists Association (SAFJA), Mokwena explained that his understanding of Orlando Pirates’ identity influenced the advice he gave the midfielder.

“Sipho Mbule has this type of profile where At the Amstel Arena, first is you have to give us a show. We pay to come and watch and always it has been like this,” Mokwena said.

He added: “I grew up in Orlando West. I grew up watching Orlando Pirates as a kid. Remember, I’m fortunate enough to also understand the culture of the club. I am fortunate enough to understand the history of the club.”

Mokwena’s connection with Orlando Pirates is also personal. His grandfather, Eric “Scara” Sono, captained Amabhakaniya in the 1960s, while his father, Julius “KK” Sono, played for the club in the 1980s. His uncle is Orlando Pirates legend Jomo Sono.

The former Orlando Pirates coach said that background, together with his time managing the club, gave him a clear sense of the qualities that appeal to its supporters. However, Mbule did not tell him that Kaizer Chiefs had also made an offer.

“I wasn’t aware of the other clubs that were after him. In fact, he didn’t mention to me that Chiefs had also made an offer. What he had asked me was whether or not he should join Orlando Pirates and what my thoughts were. And I just gave my opinion…” Mokwena said.

He believes Mbule’s ability to find technical solutions in difficult situations suited the club’s footballing traditions.

“Sipho has this natural ability, this ball control that I was talking about, this ability to with a bit of flair to. To make things that could be more complicated and difficult for many players, Sipho has the technical solution for these for these actions…” he added.

Mokwena said his coaching experience at Orlando Pirates had strengthened his understanding of the club’s culture and the profile of players who thrive there.

“I know the type of football that is in the veins of the club, and I knew it better once I had coached there,” he said.

He added that many of the players who become popular with supporters possess similar natural ability on the ball.

“And that’s why a lot of the players that you see even till today at Orlando Pirates are players that have this, the players that really, really get close to the hearts of the fans are the players that have this profile, they have this natural ability with the ball.”

Mokwena believes Mbule made the correct decision, pointing to his contribution during important matches in the previous season.

“He was, especially the first part of the season… some of the games that Sipho played in the earlier parts of the season were so important and the results were so important to help Orlando Pirates not lose the league and to stay in the championship, and up until the end,” he said.

“And I think Sipho made a very good decision, because till today, I think if you ask the Pirates fans, they enjoyed, they enjoyed Sipho Mbule, they enjoyed having Sipho on the pitch and caressing the ball.”