Mbule’s agent, Mike Makaab, has lifted the lid on the transfer saga involving the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, clarifying how the Orlando Pirates deal materialised and what really happened behind the scenes with interest from other clubs like Kaizer Chiefs.
Mbule officially becomes a free agent
Mbule, who spent the 2024/2025 season on loan at Sekhukhune United, officially parted ways with Mamelodi Sundowns after the club chose not to extend his contract. Makaab explained that his agency could only begin discussing Mbule’s future from 1 June, once he had officially become a free agent.
“Don’t forget that Sipho Mbule was only declared a free agent on 1 June because Sundowns had an option until the end of May, so we could not do anything with Sipho until the 1st of June,” Makaab said as quoted by iDiski Times.
“Firstly from a contractual point of view and secondly from an ethical point of view. We don’t like to deal in a way where we’re talking to clubs while the player is contracted to another club.”
Makaab strongly denied any premature talks or underhanded negotiations. Asserting that he respects club-player contracts to the letter.
North Africa, Middle East, and Chiefs
Although Mbule ultimately signed with Orlando Pirates, Makaab confirmed that several other clubs, including ones in North Africa and the Middle East, had shown serious interest.
“Sipho Mbule, with all his issues, is a top-class football player. It was always my opinion that he would either go to a club in North Africa. We had a lot of interest in the Middle East, particularly from three clubs in Dubai. And then we were of the opinion that it would be a big club in South Africa that would be interested or could sign him.”
He also addressed the rumoured Kaizer Chiefs snub. Makaab confirmed that he had indeed offered Mbule to Amakhosi. Clubs ultimately decide which players to sign, not agents or fans.
“Let me address your comment, you were expecting to see him somewhere else, that was speculation.”
“Football clubs have a right to make decisions. Not based upon what general consensus is.”
“No football club in the world signs a player because they believe that’s what its fanbase wants.”
Agent shuts down misconceptions about his role
Makaab firmly rejected any accusations that he manipulates transfer dealings to benefit certain clubs or stir up competition.
“This business about making these misconceptions regarding I deal with Mamelodi Sundowns in one way. And Kaizer Chiefs in another way, Pirates in a different way… it’s not true at all.”
“One thing I’ll never do, and yes, people have accused me of it. Is take a player and deliberately market him just to spark interest from another club. Absolutely not.”
The veteran agent also shared insight into how club-agent relationships work. Noting that sometimes he reaches out to clubs, and at other times, clubs initiate contact. Especially when strong relationships are in place.
“Sometimes clubs do phone me, sometimes agents phone clubs, particularly if you have good relationships.”
Is Mbule’s agent Makaab telling the truth?
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