Sipho Mbule Explains Why He Chose Orlando Pirates Over Kaizer Chiefs

• Sipho Mbule had several options after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, including interest from another Soweto giant
• Orlando Pirates gave Mbule a reason to believe his career could take a different direction after his Sundowns exit
• The midfielder has now opened up about the conversations that influenced his decision to join the Buccaneers

Sipho Mbule has explained why he chose Orlando Pirates after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, despite interest from other clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs.

The midfielder's Sundowns contract ended after the 2024/25 season. He had spent the preceding campaign on loan at Sekhukhune United before becoming a free agent.

Speaking on SuperSport TV's GIANTS, Mbule said conversations with people around him, including coaches, influenced the decision.

“Firstly, my contract with Sundowns ended,” Mbule said, according to iDiski Times.

“Other teams also wanted to sign me. Even Chiefs approached me, you see.”

He added:

“The people and coaches, and coach Rulani I spoke to told me the best team is Pirates.”

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Mbule said Pirates' decision to back him also motivated him to prove himself.

“When they signed me, they showed me ‘we believe in this boy’. So, the least that you gotta do is work as hard as you can and show them why they signed you,” he said.

Sipho Mbule's short spell at Pirates

Mbule ultimately spent just one season at Orlando Pirates. He made 21 appearances, with most of his involvement coming early in the campaign. His time at the Soweto giants did not prevent assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi from speaking highly of his ability.

“Mbule is in the top five talented players that I’ve worked with throughout my life as a coach,” Ncikazi said.

Ncikazi praised Mbule’s natural ability but stressed that talent alone was not enough to guarantee sustained success at a club like Pirates.

He explained that the midfielder still needed proper guidance, discipline, and consistency, and that players were also expected to meet the club’s established standards before being considered for selection.

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What Ncikazi said about Orlando Pirates standards

Ncikazi pointed to several requirements at Pirates, including a player's physical condition and preparation during the week.

“In terms of weight, in terms of minutes that you have gathered throughout the week. There is a breathalyser almost every day,” he said.

Mbule's comments provide insight into why Pirates won the race for his signature after his Sundowns departure, even with Chiefs also showing interest.

Sipho Mbule’s Iraq move puts Bafana hopes in focus

Briefly News previously reported that Sipho Mbule had moved abroad to join Iraqi side Zakho SC after his departure from Orlando Pirates.

The move has since sparked questions about how the change could affect his international prospects, with football analyst Themba Modise suggesting that other destinations may have offered better visibility.

Source: Briefly News