Ex-Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena advised Sipho Mbule to choose Orlando Pirates over Kaizer Chiefs

Former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena advised Sipho Mbule to join Orlando Pirates instead of Kaizer Chiefs after the midfielder’s contract with the Brazilians came to an end.

Mbule revealed that he sought advice before deciding on his next destination after leaving Sundowns, with both Chiefs and Pirates among the clubs interested in securing his services.

The midfielder eventually opted to join Pirates, with Mbule explaining that conversations with people close to him, including Mokwena, influenced his decision.

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

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

Mbule explained that he consulted several people about his next move and was advised that Pirates would be the best destination for him.

“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.”

Mokwena had previously worked with Mbule at Sundowns and was therefore familiar with the midfielder’s qualities and potential.

Mbule ultimately followed the advice and joined Pirates, where he felt the club’s decision to sign him demonstrated their belief in his ability.

“When they signed me, they showed me ‘we believe in this boy’,” Mbule said.

“For me, the least that you gotta do is work as hard as you can and show them why they signed you.”

The midfielder’s decision to choose Pirates over Chiefs came at an important stage of his career as he looked to establish himself at a new club following his departure from Sundowns.

Mbule’s comments also highlight the role Mokwena played in helping him assess his options, with the coach encouraging him to choose Pirates at a time when interest from both Soweto giants was on the table.

Having received that backing, Mbule now sees his move to Pirates as an opportunity to repay the club’s faith through hard work and performances on the pitch.