In an ideal scenario, Sipho Mbule, linked with Kaizer Chiefs would be heading to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. But the stark difference between his career trajectory and that of his childhood friend, Teboho Mokoena, is truly telling.
Both talents emerged from the same nurturing ground at Harmony Academy and SuperSport United, but Mokoena has soared while Mbule has, unfortunately, chosen a different course.
Mbule’s impending departure from Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of June, with the club opting not to extend his contract, signals a critical juncture in his career. This follows his early release from a loan spell at Sekhukhune United, which was marred by multiple disciplinary issues.
This series of events has left the 27-year-old’s career in limbo, as his off-field indiscretions continue to overshadow and diminish his undeniable on-field abilities.
Talented as he is, Mbule’s representatives are now in the unenviable position of having to persuade a new club that the wayward midfielder is finally “ready to play football.”
It’s a familiar refrain; one I’ve heard countless times from those close to Mbule whenever he’s poised for what they call “a new lease of life.” My only reply these days is to suggest we “give it a few months,” knowing full well the disappointing cycle will likely repeat itself.
Interestingly, the man nicknamed ‘Chef’ is being linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs. And Amakhosi potentially signing him at this stage of his career would speak volumes about the club’s transfer policy.
While there’s no denying their desperate need for quality footballers to compete, and Mbule certainly possesses immense talent, his off-field conduct raises serious concerns. During his time at SuperSport, as he pushed for an exit, there were whispers of disciplinary issues.
THE MOVE TO SUNDOWNS DIDN’T CHANGE THINGS
A move to Sundowns, an environment expected to push any footballer to high performance, unfortunately, didn’t change things. Reports suggest he continued to struggle with discipline, in some instances allegedly arriving at training under the influence.
Without a doubt, Sipho has consistently demonstrated a lack of interest in being a high-performance player. His attitude and mentality are deeply concerning, and sadly, he appears unwilling to acknowledge or address these issues. This makes a significant improvement in his behaviour seem unlikely.
Many of us admire his talent; there’s arguably no better number 10 in South Africa from a sheer talent perspective.
However, award-winning author John C Maxwell puts it aptly: talent alone isn’t enough. If Sipho took his career seriously, he would undoubtedly be a regular in the Bafana Bafana squad, easily capable of filling the void that Themba Zwane will eventually leave. But he simply isn’t interested in that level of commitment.
Even a move to Sekhukhune, which many hoped would offer a fresh start, hasn’t changed anything. Reports indicate he continued misbehaving. Sundowns, despite recognising his talent, have evidently cut their losses and are prepared to let him go.
For a team like Chiefs, with so many young talents like Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Wandile Duba, bringing in Sipho would be a disservice to these promising players. His behaviour could be detrimental to the dressing room. Because of his likeable personality, Mbule could easily lead these young players astray.
Unfortunately, by the time he realises the extent to which he has wasted his time and talent, it will likely be too late. In Captain Hlompho Kekana’s words, anyone who signs Sipho would be brave.
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