Newly signed Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has highlighted the importance of the induction for new signings at the club in preparation for the upcoming campaign.
Mbule signed for Pirates on a free transfer after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The highly-rated midfielder spent two seasons with the Brazilians after arriving from rivals SuperSport United in 2022. In his stint with Sundowns, Mbule struggled to break into the starting line-up after facing stiff competition from Teboho Mokoena, Bathusi Aubaas, and Marcelo Allende.
Last season, the Bafana Bafana international was on loan at Sekhukhune United in search of regular playing minutes. He had a promising start to life at Sekhukhune, dishing out impressive performances and walking away with Man-of-the-Match awards.
Mbule was beaming with confidence at Babina Noko before his disciplinary issues. The 27-year-old left Sekhukhune before the conclusion of his season-long loan.
‘Master Chef’ made 17 appearances in all competitions for Sekhukhune United, scoring two goals, while also chipping in with three assists.
WHAT MBULE SAID ABOUT PIRATES’ INDUCTION FOR NEW SIGNINGS
After Mbule completed a move to the Buccaneers on a one-year deal with an option to extend for two years, the former SuperSport United star has revealed that the induction has prepared the new signings for the upcoming season.
“The [induction] sessions are going to help us a lot because they are going to make things easy for us so that we can know what’s going on,” Mbule told Pirates TV
“Obviously, we have already seen where we are training. I think our minds are getting ready for the upcoming challenge.”
Mbule joined Pirates alongside Sihle Nduli, Yanela Mbuthuma, Tshepho Mashiloane, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Nkosikhona Ndaba and Oswin Appollis.
NEW BUCS CONNECT WITH ORLANDO PIRATES’ STORIED PAST
Late in June, new Pirates signings, including Mbule but excluding Appolis, were immersed in the club’s rich history during their induction. The day-long experience seamlessly wove together the present and the legendary past of the Buccaneers.
The journey kicked off at Rand Stadium, the team’s training ground, giving the fresh recruits a firsthand feel for life in the iconic black and white. From there, the tour led them to 4503 Khunou Street in Orlando East, the very genesis of the club at the home of founding member Bethuel Mokgosinyane.
“The players then made an inspiring stop at the Zodwa Khoza Foundation, where they spent time with learners and were addressed by club legend and foundation ambassador Bashin Mahlangu, who shared words of wisdom about what it means to wear the Orlando Pirates badge,” added Pirates on their website.
“No Pirates induction would be complete without a visit to the Orlando Stadium — the Mecca of South African football and the place these new Buccaneers will call home for the 2025/26 season. The induction wrapped up with a warm lunch at the Protea Hotel, where club legends including Tebogo Moloi, Edward Motale, and former captains Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and Innocent Maela officially welcomed the new players into the Pirates family.”
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