Sipho Mbule Told Why He Shouldn’t Have Joined Iraqi Club After Leaving Orlando Pirates
- Sipho Mbule's move to Iraqi side Zakho SC after leaving Orlando Pirates has come under serious criticism from fans and pundits
- The former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder parted ways with the Premier Soccer League giants at the end of the 2025-26 season
- A football analyst in an exclusive interview with Briefly News explained why Mbule's move to Iraq is not a good one for the midfielder
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule has decided to join Iraqi side Zakho SC after parting ways with Orlando Pirates at the end of the 2025-26 Premier Soccer League season.
Source: Getty Images
The South African international joined the Sea Robbers on a free transfer last summer after leaving Sundowns, and was an important player for Abdeslam Ouaddou at the beginning of the season, thus returning to the Bafana Bafana squad. He was part of the squad that represented South Africa at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but faded as the season went on.
He was tipped to stay in the Premier Soccer League, but a recent report confirmed that he has moved abroad, joining Zakho SC.
Why Mbule's move to Iraq was wrong
Football analyst, Themba Modise, during an exclusive interview with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on Mbule's move away from the Premier Soccer League and move to Iraq.
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Source: Getty Images
"Mbule's move to Iraq came as a surprise to me, especially, maybe the incentives are so good to be turned down, but aside from that, I don't think going to a nation like Iraq to play club football when you still have a good time to play in the PSL.
"It would be hard for him to make the Bafana Bafana squad now, because most coaches, especially if Broos remains as the coach, won't consider him.
"He is a good player, though we don't know what went wrong in the latter stages of his time with Orlando Pirates, and why the Soweto giants decided not to extend his contract.''
Clubs suggested for Mbule outside PSL
Modise went on to suggest some clubs Mbule should've joined even if he decides not to stay in the Premier Soccer League after his decision to leave Orlando Pirates.
Source: Getty Images
"We saw reports that Mbule wanted a move abroad, and he should've considered some leagues that are still not obscure to football fans. Clubs in countries where they can still monitor his progress," he added.
"Example is moving to clubs in other African countries and neighbouring nations to South Africa, especially team playing in continental football.
"His agents should've looked for clubs in East Africa or North Africa for him to continue his progress and also still be under the radar."
Bafana Bafana star ranked among the best
Briefly News earlier reported that a Bafana Bafana star was ranked among the best performers at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup despite South Africa's poor performance.
The South African international has showcased his football talent on the global stage, even as the team struggled in the group stage.
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Source: Briefly News
