Mokwena says Mbule made the right call by joining Orlando Pirates

Rulani Mokwena believes Sipho Mbule’s decision to join Orlando Pirates was the right one, despite the midfielder leaving the club after one season.

The Pyramids FC manager said Mbule’s ability and style suited the Buccaneers’ football culture and that he made an important contribution as Pirates won the Betway Premiership title and completed a treble last season.

Mokwena was speaking at a digital press conference organised by the South African Football Journalists’ Association on Thursday, confirming comments Mbule had made in SuperSport’s Giants docuseries.

The coach previously worked with Mbule at Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Wydad Casablanca, MC Algiers and Libya’s Al-Ittihad. He took charge of Egyptian club Pyramids in July.

While between jobs at Wydad and MC Algiers, Mokwena received a call from Mbule, who wanted advice about his next move. The midfielder’s career has included outstanding performances but has also been affected by reports of off-field disciplinary problems.

Mbule began strongly at Pirates and earned international call-ups from then Bafana Bafana manager Hugo Broos. However, after struggling as South Africa were eliminated by the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January, his influence declined during the second half of the campaign.

He left Pirates on a free transfer in July and joined Iraq’s Zakho SC.

Mokwena, the nephew of Pirates great Jomo Sono and the son of former Buccaneers player Julius “KK” Sono, also coached Pirates in the late 2010s. He said his knowledge of the club helped him believe Mbule would fit in at Orlando Stadium.

“For many years I grew up in Orlando West, grew up watching Orlando Pirates as a kid,” Mokwena said.

“I’m fortunate enough to also understand the culture and history of the club and spent many years being educated about the club by [Pirates chair] Dr [Irvin] Khoza.

“I also know what type of player the club appreciates, the fans appreciate. The type of football that is in the veins of the club. And I knew it better once I had coached there.”

Mokwena said Pirates supporters valued players capable of flair and creativity, citing Steve Lekoelea, Thabo Rakhale, Khethokwakhe Masuku and Thabo “Session” Qalinge as examples of players who operated near one side of the Orlando Stadium grandstand.

He added that the player profiles admired at Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns were different from those celebrated at Pirates.

“And Sipho Mbule has this type of profile where at Orlando, first you have to give us [the supporters] a show. We paid to come and watch you,” he said.

Mokwena contrasted that with the club’s stalwarts, including Nick “Bazooka” Seshweni, John Moeti, Dumisa Ngobe, Gavin Lane, Mark Fish and Gerald Raphahlela, saying fans came to watch the likes of Lekoelea and Teko Modise.

He said Mbule’s ball control and flair made difficult situations look simple and explained why supporters enjoyed watching him.

“Historically and even spiritually because Pirates is a very spiritual club these are the type of players the football gods at Orlando Stadium open their hearts for,” Mokwena said.

The coach also credited Mbule with providing an important element during Pirates’ treble-winning campaign, when they ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ run of eight successive Premiership titles.

Mokwena referred to Teboho Moloi and Jomo Sono as examples of players who became particularly loved by Pirates supporters, recalling a famous image of Sono standing on the ball against Kaizer Chiefs.

He said Mbule’s performances early last season helped Pirates avoid losing ground in the title race.

“I wasn’t aware of the other clubs that were after him. He hadn’t mentioned to me Chiefs had made an offer,” Mokwena said.

“He chose to go to Pirates and I think, even in retrospect, it was the right decision.”

Mokwena’s start at Pyramids has been equally impressive. The 2024-25 CAF Champions League winners and Egyptian Premier League runners-up for five years running have won all eight of their league and Champions League matches this season.