Sipho Mbule, one of the most beloved players in the local game, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season’s Betway Premiership term.
As a measure to manage Mbule’s reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour.
Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as “Master Chef.”
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According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. “At 26 or 27, we shouldn’t be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you’re an adult,” Mabalane told Soccer Laduma. “He’s not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself.
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“He is past the stage in life where he should be looked after. He should look after himself. It’s all up to him and no one else. We can’t ask how do we look after him. Does he want it and how much does he want it? He’s got another chance now.
“Not a lot of players get an opportunity to move from a big club to another big club. So, he’s still got a bit of luck on his side and it’s up to him. There is no question that he is talented and has a football brain. Some people are just born with it,” Mabalane explained.
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“He’s a quality player and needs to play consistently. He needs to find a home where he can settle and stamp his authority,” Mabalane continued. “That’s what’s missing in his game. We’ve seen his potential and we know he’s a good player, but now we need to see that on a more consistent basis. Maybe Pirates will give him that platform.
“There are footballers who work hard. They are good footballers because they work hard. And then you have gifted footballers. He is a gifted footballer. He does not really work hard to prove himself, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t work hard. He’s got a football brain because things come easy to him. Now he must bring in a work ethic to complement his gift,” the former speedy winger concluded.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SIPHO MBULE AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
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