ONE of the most famous players in the country, Sipho Mbule, will have to rise again and take it upon himself following the non-renewal of his contract with Orlando Pirates.
The midfielder (28) signed for Zimnyama at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, after he was released by Mamelodi Sundowns, who had loaned him to Sekhukhune United for the 2024/25 season.
Mbule, who is regarded as one of the country’s most talented players, got off to a good start for Bakaniya, helping the team to win the MTN8 and Carling knockout titles in the first half of the season.
The good performance in his team attracted the attention of the coach of the national team, Hugo Broos, and last year he was one of the trusted players of this Belgian coach in Bafana Bafana.
He was there when Bafana secured a place in the World Cup which will start next week by beating Rwanda 3-0 in October last year, and in the Africa Cup of Nations in December.
However, he began to be overlooked by Pirates under coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, in the final months of the Betway Premiership title race. This led to him losing his place in Bafana.
The person in charge of Mbule’s affairs, Mike Makaab, told the SABC that Pirates did not disclose the reasons why they did not use the opportunity to extend the player’s contract.
Last season Mbule scored one goal in 23 games he played for Zimnyama in different competitions.
The challenge he is facing now is not new to him. Although he is 28 years old, and still has the ability to be an important player in any big team, as well as returning to Bafana, everything lies with him.
If he can return to the level that made him one of the most popular midfielders in the country, it is possible that he will rise again as there are reports pointing him to Siwelele FC.
Meanwhile: It appears that Stellenbosch FC has signed Pirates defender Thabiso Lebitso who has been rumored for a jersey. Stellies is rumored to be selling winger Langelihle Phili to Kaizer Chiefs.