Orlando Pirates have announced the acquisition of midfielder Sipho Mbule, making him the club’s first confirmed new signing ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old has been without a club since parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns. He spent the past season on loan at Sekhukhune United. He joined the Tshwane giants in 2022 from rivals SuperSport United.
Mbule’s two seasons at Sundowns saw him struggle for game time, leading to a loan spell at Sekhukhune. While he impressed initially at Sekhukhune, his off-field issues resurfaced.
As a result, Sundowns reportedly opted not to exercise the two-year extension option on Mbule’s contract due to concerns over his off-field behaviour.
The Soweto giants took to their social media platforms on Tuesday to announce Mbule’s arrival. However, the club did not divulge the details of his contract.
ORLANDO PIRATES CONFIRM THE SIGNING OF SIPHO MBULE
“Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Sipho Mbule to the Club,” the club announced on Tuesday.
His signing comes a day after the club announced the arrival of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. Ouaddou is known to be a big admirer of Mbule.
NEW ORLANDO PIRATES COACH ABDESLAM OUDDOU IS A BIG FAN OF THE LATEST SIGNING
During a Radio Interview on 947 Johannesburg, Ouaddou spoke of his admiration for Mbule and opened up on how he needs to be managed given his history of some off-field incidents.
“I know that maybe his behaviour is not so good. But I think it’s a question of management,” Ouaddou told the radio station. “These players need management, somebody to be close to them and to make them understand that they are good players, but they have to manage their lifestyle.
“You see, Mbule is a fantastic player. He is the kind of player that I would like to have in my team,” he added.
Mbule is the latest to join the Buccaneers, following Tshepang Moremi and Sinoxolo Kwayiba. But Pirates are yet to confirm the arrival of Moremi from AmaZulu FC and Kwayiba of Chippa United
And before his confirmed move to Pirates, Mbule was heavily linked with a switch to Kaizer Chiefs, with his agent Mike Makaab even stating that the player had been offered to the club.
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