Despite collecting a hefty R100,000 Man-of-the-Match award, Sekhukhune United midfielder Sipho Mbule admitted it was a bittersweet moment for him after they were sent packing from the Carling Knockout Cup last 16.
“Master Chef” is currently on a season-long loan from Mamelodi Sundowns and was handed another starting berth by coach Lehlohonolo Seema in the middle of the park staking his claim once again at his new club though he ended up on the losing after Lwandile Mabuya’s first-half freekick for Richards Bay shaved off Mbule’s head to go in.
The 26-year-old did not shy away from being disappointed at their cup exit as they now look to shift their focus to the Betway Premiership.
“It’s not nice to receive such an award after such a defeat,” Mbule said in his post-match speech.
“But we played well. I think we made one mistake that’s when we conceded the goal, but I think as a team it’s a work in process. We doing well.
“I think even in the second half it was much better. We were always in their half, but I think it’s all about the conversion rate of our strikers and us as midfielders to score.
“It’s all about what you know also. What worked for you as a kid is still working now.
“So, there’s no need for you to change anything. We converted each other well in the midfield, but as I said our conversion rate was not quite well.”
The former SuperSport United midfielder added that he’s settling in well at Babina Noko alongside star-studded players like his former teammate Lesedi Kapinga and captain Linda Mntambo.
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“I think I’m finding it quite well. I’m happy,” Mbule said.
“And because I also have good players here around me. The likes of Linda [Mntambo], Kabazela. Lesedi [Kapinga] also joined us. I think we’re complimenting each other well in the midfield.
“It’s a work in process as Coach [Lehlohonolo] Seema said. It’s all about knowing each other’s strengths from now on.
“Because I think we played three games now in the league ever since I’ve been here, and I think everyone is ready to be called up when given a chance.
“I think we have so many good players here at Sekhukhune,” he further said.
