Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane has shed light on the conversation he shared with Sipho Mbule before ‘Master Chef’ completed his highly publicised transfer to rivals Orlando Pirates.
The highly-rated midfielder joined Pirates ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season on a free transfer after parting ways with Sundowns. Mbule had a challenging spell with Sundowns after signing from the now-defunct SuperSport United in July 2022.
The midfield maestro struggled for regular game-time at Masandawana, and he was sent out on loan to Sekhukhune United in the previous campaign to gain playing time.
Mbule’s loan stint with Babina Noko was cut short due to alleged off-the-pitch disciplinary issues. As a result, Sundowns decided against renewing his contract in June 2025, allowing him to leave as a free agent.
The 27-year-old has joined Pirates, where he’s seemingly playing his best football and recently returned to the Bafana Bafana squad. Mbule formed part of the past two camps for Hugo Broos’ Bafana squad that sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
WHAT THEMBA ZWANE TOLD SIPHO MBULE
Zwane has spoken out on the chat with ‘Master Chef’, sharing that he told him that he has what it takes to play for Bafana Bafana before moving to Pirates.
“Sipho Mbule and I speak; he knows that I’m always there to give him any advice he wants, you know,” Zwane.
“So I was just happy to see him playing for the national team and doing well for Orlando Pirates because we spoke about it even before he moved to Pirates.
“I told him that I feel like he has what it takes to do well and go to the national team. And when it happened, it was just excitement overall, and I’m happy for him.”
Meanwhile, Mbule has featured in 14 appearances across all competitions at the Buccaneers, and he has already lifted the 2025 MTN8 trophy with the club. They beat Stellenbosch FC 3-0 in the final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in September to win the title for the fourth time in a row.
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