Renowned football agent Mike Makaab has shed light on why his client, midfielder Sipho Mbule, ultimately signed with Orlando Pirates, despite significant prior links to their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.
Mbule’s potential move to Amakhosi had been widely discussed, particularly after Makaab publicly stated on X [formerly Twitter]that his client had been offered to Chiefs.
“Let me set the record straight. Sipho Mbule has been offered to Chiefs,” Makaab had tweeted, a remark for which he later apologised to the club.
Mbule became a free agent on June 1, 2025, after Mamelodi Sundowns opted not to extend his contract. The talented midfielder spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Sekhukhune United from Sundowns.
However, his time at Babina Noko was cut short due to disciplinary issues, leading to an early termination of his loan spell. During his stint at Sekhukhune, Mbule featured in 17 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists.
In a swift turn of events, the 27-year-old was officially announced as one of Orlando Pirates’ new acquisitions four days ago, ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. Makaab’s explanation aims to clarify the sequence of events and decisions that led to Mbule’s move to the Buccaneers.
MIKE MAKAAB SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON SIPHO MBULE’S MOVE TO ORLANDO PIRATES
In an interview with Simtho Dladla on Gagasi FM, Mike Makaab clarified that talk of Sipho Mbule joining Kaizer Chiefs was merely “speculation.” He revealed that his agency only began actively seeking a new club for Mbule on June 1, 2025, once he officially became a free agent.
“You know, Simtho, regarding your comment about expecting to see him somewhere else [Kaizer Chiefs] – that was speculation. At the end of the day, remember that Sipho Mbule was only declared a free agent on June 1st, because Sundowns had an option until the end of May,” Makaab explained.
“So, we couldn’t do anything with Sipho until June 1st. Firstly, from a contractual point of view, and secondly, from an ethical standpoint. We don’t like to deal with clubs while a player is still contracted elsewhere, especially when there’s a possibility their current contract might be extended.
“To set the record straight, we only began exploring options for Sipho on June 1st. A lot of people ask, ‘Why do you have to call clubs? Why don’t clubs call you?’ Sometimes clubs do call us, and sometimes agents call clubs – especially if you have good relationships.
“Sipho, despite his past issues, is a top football player. It was always my belief that he would either move to a club in North Africa – we had significant interest from the Middle East, particularly three clubs in Dubai – or that a major South African club would be interested in signing him.”
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