Hugo Broos Singles Out Orlando Pirates Star for Standout Display Against Zimbabwe
- Hugo Broos has singled out an Orlando Pirates star for praise after Bafana Bafana stumbled to a draw in their penultimate World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe
- The Bafana Bafana head coach is happy with the player's performance while also opening up on what he told him at half-time
- The South African football fans also shared their thoughts on the Sea Robbers star's display against the Warriors on social media
Don't miss out! Join Briefly News Sports channel on WhatsApp now!
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has lauded Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule for his outstanding display in their goalless draw against Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10, 2025, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Source: Getty Images
Although South Africa was left frustrated by The Warriors, the Belgian tactician singled out the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder as one of the team’s brightest performers, praising his creativity and control in midfield throughout the match.
Mbule, who left Sundowns for Pirates in the summer, has been one of the best players for Bafana Bafana since returning to the national team in the last few months. He featured in South Africa's 3-0 win over Lesotho and also the 1-1 draw against the Super Eagles of Nigeria during the last international break.
Broos hails Mbule on his performance
Broos expressed his admiration for Mbule's performance against the Warriors, especially in the second 45 minutes of the game, noting that the former SuperSport United star is exactly what his team needs.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
“Without a doubt, Sipho had an excellent game,” Broos said in his post-match press conference. “At half-time, I told him he needed to be more involved in our build-up play. You could see in the second half that whenever he got on the ball, something good always came from it.
“Just like in our last two games against Lesotho and Nigeria, and again today against Zimbabwe, we’re very pleased with Sipho’s performance.”
Mbule has been out of the Bafana Bafana squad for years but was given a second chance after his impressive start to a new life with Soweto giants, Pirates, this season in the Premier Soccer League.
Source: Getty Images
If Mbule continues with this kind of performance, he is expected to make Broos' Bafana Bafana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations later this year in Morocco and also the 2026 FIFA World Cup if they eventually qualify.
Fans react to Broos' comments on Mbule
Sipho Vusi wrote:
"Mbule is a great player but he doesn't know how to score, he reminds me of Tlou Segolela."
Sweetness Prince Seikaneng said:
"Mbule really fought yesterday...Out of all players he showed character."
Mantolo Oa Licheche shared:
"Only chiefs and sundowns fans says he didn't play well but his coach is satisfied so they should mind their business."
MathewsNtanzi commented:
"Sipho Mbule is a luxury player and it ends there. Check the stats. Only 11 assists in 138 matches 😭😭."
MissPalulu reacted:
"A player making the most of his second chance. Sipho Mbule is just football itself, he is such a talented footballer that doesn’t even need to do too much. His performance last night was great. Class is permanent. Oh, what a player umpheki is 🙌🏾."
AfrikanBreed added:
"Thats why I will always believe in giving people second chances in life before giving up on them, because siyawenza sonke amaphutha. It's true when they say "ayikho iDustbin yoku lahla umuntu" This Sipho Mbule story is turning out to be something special...wish him all the best."
Broos comments on Mbokazi's red card
Briefly News earlier reported that Broos shared his thoughts on the sending off of Mbekezeli Mbokazi in their goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
The Belgian manager hails the Orlando Pirates captain despite receiving his marching orders very late in the game.
Source: Briefly News
