Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Hails Pirates’ Sipho Mbule Ahead of Super Eagles Clash

• Junior Khanye has shared his thoughts on Sipho Mbule's performance in Bafana Bafana's recent World Cup qualifier against Lesotho
• The former Kaizer Chiefs star hailed the Orlando Pirates midfielder ahead of Bafana Bafana's crunch tie against Nigeria
• The former PSL star's views about the South African international gathered different reactions on social media

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has praised Bafana Bafana midfielder Sipho Mbule, calling him a player of exceptional quality after his standout performance for the national team.

Mbule initially missed out on the final 23-man list released by Hugo Broos but later earned a call-up to replace the injured Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder made the starting line-up and impressed in Bafana Bafana's 3-0 win over Lesotho at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Friday, September 5, 2025.

Khanye hails Mbule after his performance against Lesotho

Khanye, while reacting to Mbule's performance against Lesotho, hailed the former Mamelodi Sundowns star and claimed he still has a long way to go, as he needs to repair the reputation he damaged with his behaviour.

“Class never fades, and Sipho Mbule embodies that,” Khanye told iDiski TV.

“Sipho still has a long way to go, which is definitely achievable if he stays focused and doubles his efforts. It’s tough to repair a reputation once it’s damaged.”

The former Kaizer Chiefs forward claimed the Orlando Pirates midfielder is ready to take up a new challenge and seize the second chance placed in front of him.

“But Sipho knows that class is permanent. He’s ready for any challenge and is making the most of this second chance,” he added.

“They tried him out as a number 10, but Sipho’s true strength is in central midfield. He’s mastered that role, rarely losing possession and effortlessly turning the game around.”

Khanye's comments about Mbule sparked mixed reactions from netizens on social media, with some praising his performance against Lesotho.

Reactions as Khanye hails Mbule ahead of Nigeria tie

kim_mashilo said:

"Mbule is class. Sometimes coaching does play a role. I mean everyone knows how good mbule is with the ball and how creative he is. It's only right that a coach tries him an a number 10 role where he isn't running as much as a number 8. He was exceptional against lesotho."

Siphiwe Ntuli shared:

"I hardly agree on anything nale " ngwenya "..He's on point on this one.💯"

ThomasKagisho wrote:

"He's such a forward thinking player, eliminates numbers few few passes, plays direct and can hold on to the ball, controls the tempo of the game I mean."

Meedy Yocker implied:

"His job as a 10 is to make box entries and create chances in the final third. He didn’t to that against Lesotho. I’m not going to be excited by him making 360’ turns in non pressure areas."

Mzukulu kaMatshezi added:

"Undoubtedly talented but he's very lazy I think that's the reason he might not even reach his potential. Today he was nowhere to be found he couldn't link with others but glimpses of him were there. I believe he needs to work on his weight and fitness."

Broos goes spiritual ahead of Nigeria's clash

Briefly News also reported that Broos has sought God ahead of Bafana Bafana's upcoming World Cup qualifier against Nigeria.

The Belgian mentor is working on sealing the World Cup ticket for South Africa when they host the Super Eagles on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Source: Briefly News