Gifted midfielder Sipho ‘Master Chef’ Mbule has secured a move abroad, putting pen to paper with Iraqi top-division side Zakho SC following his departure from Orlando Pirates.
The 28-year-old playmaker is set to become a free agent when his contract with the Buccaneers officially expires on June 30. Despite the club’s historic treble-winning campaign, the Soweto giants opted not to activate a two-year extension on his deal, paving the way for his move to Iraq.
The highly-rated playmaker leaves Pirates after just a single season, having initially arrived at Mayfair on a free transfer in July 2025. The move followed his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns upon the expiration of his contract at Chloorkop.
The former SuperSport United star enjoyed a glittering start to life in black and white, quickly winning the hearts of the Bucs faithful with his exquisite technical ability, exceptional passing range, and clinical goal-scoring capabilities.
Throughout his first six months at the club, Mbule was an undisputed regular in the starting line-up, playing a pivotal role as ‘The Ghosts’ clinched both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup titles.
SIPHO MBULE FINDS NEW HOME ABROAD
On the back of those stellar club performances, Mbule earned recognition from national team selectors, forming part of the Bafana Bafana squad that sealed historic qualification to the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. He was also a member of the national squad that featured at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where South Africa exited in the Round of 16.
However, following the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the 28-year-old completely lost his place in the Pirates matchday squad, a drop in favour that ultimately triggered his departure from the Soweto giants.
Looking to launch a fresh chapter, FARPost can reveal that the fan-favourite has signed a lucrative deal with Zakho SC to test himself outside South African borders. Mbule will be determined to revive his career in Iraq after a turbulent period in the PSL, which saw him turn out for Mamelodi Sundowns, Sekhukhune United, and Pirates in less than two years—a nomadic stretch signaling a clear lack of stability that he will now hope to correct.
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