Jabu Mahlangu, whose career was marred by off-field issues, has revealed details of a talk he had with Sipho Mbule before his move to Orlando Pirates.
Mbule is looking to revive his career at the Buccaneers after a series of setbacks. And ahead of his switch to the Buccaneers in June, he received a piece of advice from a football legend with a similar past.
Affectionately known as the ‘Master Chef’, Mbule joined the Bucs in June and had a memorable debut on Saturday at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
He featured as the Soweto giants booked a semi-final spot in the MTN8 after beating Polokwane City FC 2-0, thanks to goals by Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswanganyi.
WHAT DID JABU MAHLANGU TELL SIPHO MBULE AHEAD OF HIS PIRATES MOVE
“All these [Pirates] players are quality players, and they’re going to add value at Orlando Pirates,” he said on SABC Sport. “But Mbule, because of what he’s been going through personally, I think it’s time for him to revive himself.”
Mahlangu, formerly known as Jabu Pule, felt the need to show some love to the Free State-born star, especially coming from someone who understands experientially what he was going through.
“I actually spoke to him on the phone. I spoke to Sipho on the phone before his move. I didn’t know he was going to Pirates. We spoke privately. I was giving him words of encouragement because people had started bashing him. And I’ve been in that situation in my playing career. So, I spoke to him, nothing else, just to give him positive energy. And I’m expecting more [from him this season].
“I wasn’t judging him at all, the way people were bashing him on social media. Mina ngikhulume njenge grootman ebuya kuyo lento yokuthi wazi ibhola, and then ube ne lifestyle ethize disturbing your career. I’ve been there. [I spoke like a big brother who was equally talented and had lifestyle issues disturbing his career]. So I think those words of wisdom, I think.”
Mbule was seen taking photos with Bucs fans after the game as they chanted “Weh Mbule.” He will be hoping to put his demons behind him and reach his full potential as a footballer.
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