Prosport International CEO Mike Makaab has lifted the lid on Sipho Mbule’s unexpected transfer to Iraqi Stars League outfit Zakho SC, revealing to FARPost that the midfielder turned down concrete interest from North Africa.
The highly-rated Bafana Bafana international was officially unveiled by the Iraqi top-flight club on Saturday. Mbule joins Zakho as a free agent following his sudden departure from Orlando Pirates at the conclusion of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season.
The move marks a clean slate for the talented midfielder, whose career has occasionally been hindered by off-the-field challenges in recent years.
A TALE OF TWO HALVES AT ORLANDO PIRATES
Mbule’s stint with the Soweto giants was brief but highly eventful. He joined the Buccaneers in July 2025 on an initial one-year contract, which included a two-year extension option. Initially, the former SuperSport United playmaker flourished under the guidance of Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Mbule quickly established himself as a central midfield anchor, playing a pivotal role in the first half of the 2025/26 campaign as Pirates clinched both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup.
However, the second half of the season told a completely different story. Mbule fell out of favour with the technical team, seeing his game time drastically reduced as the technical team favoured alternative combinations.
By the end of the campaign, the 28-year-old had amassed 23 appearances across all competitions, scoring just once. Consequently, Orlando Pirates management opted against triggering the two-year contract extension, allowing the midfielder to walk away as a free agent.
WHY IRAQ? MAKAAB EXPLAINS THE DECISION
Despite interest from several domestic and continental suitors, Mbule chose a unique path to revive his career.
Speaking to FARPost, Makaab revealed that Zakho SC’s relentless persistence and clear vision ultimately won the player over.
“We had an enormous amount of interest in Sipho Mbule outside of South Africa, particularly in North Africa,” Makaab told FARPost. “But it was Zakho who made their intentions clear from the start. They viewed Sipho as a marquee signing who could add immense value to their squad.”
According to Makaab, the transfer progressed rapidly once formal paperwork arrived in Mayfair.
“The first discussions took place about three to four weeks ago. They submitted a written offer last week, and after carefully considering all the options on the table, Sipho elected to accept this particular deal.”
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