Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has opened up on his return to the Bafana Bafana team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
The Bethlehem-born star last featured for the national team in 2021, playing 12 minutes in the 2022 World Cup qualifying clash against Zimbabwe.
Mbule initially did not make the final 23-man squad, which was cut from a preliminary team of 48 players.
His late call-up came after his Buccaneers teammate, Patrick Masangwanyi, was injured and stretchered off the field during Pirates’ 3-0 victory over Chippa United on Sunday.
Mbule expressed his delight at returning to the national team and stated that he hopes to become regular member of the squad going forward.
“I’m happy to be back in the national team,” Mbule told Pirates media team.
“As you all know it’s been a while without wearing national team colours. I’m glad to have worked my way back to the national team now it’s for me to work again to stay here.”
Heading into the matches against Likuena and Super Eagles, Mbule said it is vital that the team bags all points on offer to boost their chances of qualifying for the global competition.
“We all know how important these two games are for our country,” he added.
“We wanna win both games and qualify for the World Cup.”
