Sipho Mbule Urged to Quit Drinking and Stay Focused After Joining Orlando Pirates

Sipho Mbule Urged to Quit Drinking and Stay Focused After Joining Orlando Pirates

  • South African international Sipho Mbule bas been told to focus on football after completing move to Orlando Pirates this summer
  • The former Sekhukhune United midfielder joins the Buccaneers this summer on a free transfer following contract release by Mamelodi Sundowns
  • The 27-year-old has faced criticism for indiscipline regarding off-field issues during his time at SuperSport United and while on loan at Sekhukhune United

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Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule has been urged to focus on football after completing his move to Orlando Pirates this summer.

The South African midfielder was released by the Brazilians at the end of his contract last month and decided to join the Buccaneers, and was Abdeslam Ouaddou's first signing after being named the head coach.

The 27-year-old reportedly has a reputation for indiscipline since his days at SuperSport United and had issues while on loan at Sekhukhune United from Sundowns.

It was reported that the midfielder's alcohol abuse allegations resurfaced while he was with Babina Noko, and the club reportedly had to end their engagement with him before the end of his loan deal.

Ex-Pirates star pleads with Mbule

Former Orlando Pirates star Steve Lekoelea has pleaded with Mbule to focus on football now that he has joined the Soweto giants and should take a break from drinking.

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"Pirates have made a smart signing in Sipho Mbule; he’s a talented player now representing one of the country’s biggest clubs," Lekoelea told KickOff.
"Discipline will be crucial for him moving forward. He should consider stepping away from alcohol to commit to his football career fully."

The retired midfielder maestro explained the reason why it is important to avoid off-field issues as a top player representing a big club.

"As a player at a high-profile club, avoiding off-field distractions is essential. Given what has been reported about him in the past, it’s important that he stays focused and distances himself from anything that could derail his progress," added the retired midfield maestro.
"He has the potential to make a significant impact, not just at club level but also for the national team. As a country, we need players like him to rise and contribute to South African football."

Pirates' new manager Abdeslam Ouaddou is one of the coaches who love Mbule before both joined the Buccaneers and he could be the reason the former SuperSport United midfielder was signed by the Soweto giants.

Mbule still has the chance to break into Hugo Broos' Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations if he impresses with his performance at the Bucs in the forthcoming season.

Khanye blasts Kaizer Chiefs for signing Chilsett over Mbule

Briefly News also reported that Junior Khanye criticised Kaizer Chiefs for signing England-based midfielder Ethan Chilsett instead of going for South African midfielder Mbule who was also a free agent.

Chilsett was also linked with a move to Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns but he opted to join the Glamour Boys as he returns to Mzansi.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.