Sipho Mbule has explained why he joined Orlando Pirates after his exit from Mamelodi Sundowns, despite having other offers, including from Kaizer Chiefs.
Mbule was released by Sundowns at the end of the 2024/25 season, having spent the previous campaign on loan at Sekhukhune United.
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But Pirates gave him a new lease on life, signing the talented midfielder as a free agent.
“Firstly, my contract with Sundowns ended,” he 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,”
Ultimately, though, Mbule’s stint at Mayfair was just one season, during which he made 21 appearances – most of them in the early stages of the campaign.
Despite Mbule’s exit, Pirates assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi hailed the talent of the midfielder.
“Mbule is in the top five talented players that I’ve worked with throughout my life as a coach,” Ncikazi stated.
“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.”