Rulani Mokwena reveals advice he gave Sipho Mbule before Orlando Pirates move

Pyramids coach Rulani Mokwena has described the conversation he had with Sipho Mbule before the midfielder joined Orlando Pirates last season.

Mbule, who has since moved to Iraq, spoke about the exchange in a documentary covering Orlando Pirates’ 2025/26 campaign. He said he had approached Mokwena for guidance while weighing up his next move amid interest from several clubs.

Mokwena, who previously coached Mbule at Mamelodi Sundowns, discussed their conversation while speaking to the SA Football Journalists’ Association on Thursday.

He said Mbule possessed the kind of natural ability that had made him popular with Orlando Pirates supporters, placing him alongside some of the club’s most entertaining players.

“The Orlando Pirates fans will tell you they come to watch the likes of Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise and Sipho Mbule,” Mokwena said.

“I think Pirates fans enjoyed having Mbule on the pitch because he has this natural ability to make complicated things look effortless and that’s what captures the hearts and minds of Orlando Pirates football fans.”

Mokwena said Mbule’s appeal went beyond his importance to the team, comparing his ability to entertain with the qualities that have made certain Orlando Pirates players particularly memorable throughout the club’s history.

He referred to his uncle, Jomo Sono, and the iconic image of the former player standing on the ball during a match against Kaizer Chiefs.

“Many great players have played for Orlando Pirates, but there is a small aspect that separates the ones who are really, really loved by the fans from those who are just important players for the club,” Mokwena said.

“The picture that stands out from history is Jomo Sono standing on the ball against Chiefs. These kind of pictures are iconic, and players like Sipho Mbule have a capacity to bring a different kind of entertainment to the pitch like some players before him.”

Mokwena added that he had not known whether Mbule had received offers from other clubs. His role, he said, was simply to advise the midfielder on whether joining Orlando Pirates would be the right decision.