logo
Sundowns to release or keep talented midfielder

Sundowns to release or keep talented midfielder

Betway Premiership champions and CAF Champions League finalists Mamelodi Sundowns are facing a big decision on a big talent: Sipho Mbule.
As reported last month, Sekhukhune United released the 27-year-old midfielder to return to Sundowns.
Mbule made his dream move to Sundowns from SuperSport United on a three-year deal in June 2022. Since then, Mbule has made 51 appearances, scoring three goals and one assist.
Due to ill-discipline, the champions then loaned the Bethlehem-born player to Babina Noko in January until June.
According to his agent Mike Makaab, Mbule's deal with Sundowns ends on 30 June. The African giants also have an option to extend the deal for another season.
'Mamelodi Sundowns have until the end of May to exercise the option, if they don't exercise option then Sipho is a free agent. We will then look at the number of possibilities for him,' Makaab said via iDiski Times . Sipho Mbule in action for Sundowns againts Cape Town Spurs at the Loftus Versfeld. Image: BackpagePix
'I'm not concerned, he is a talented player; Yes, of course, he has his problems, we don't have to beat around the bush about that, he is a talented football player, and I'm convinced that he is going to put his best forward.
'He has an option. If Mamelodi Sundowns take the option, then we have to look at other means of trying to move him if both him and the club are not keen to continue with their relationship.
'It's never easy as we've done in the past. We're gonna have to take this case carefully, examine all the possibilities and then hopefully guide and assist Sipho in making the right decision for his future,' Makaab concluded.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Orlando Pirates eyeing highly-rated youngster amid Saleng saga!
Orlando Pirates eyeing highly-rated youngster amid Saleng saga!

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates eyeing highly-rated youngster amid Saleng saga!

Orlando Pirates have already made themselves busy ahead of the upcoming offseason window, and it seems the next player in their sights is Zimbabwean 16-year-old Prince Ndlovu. 'He (Ndlovu) trained with Pirates in March 2023 and and at that time he was only 16-years-old. He was preparing to go to Europe but things didn't work out,' a source revealed. 'It's believed that since then Pirates scouts have apparently been monitoring him and now they are willing to give him a chance at the team. They have kept tabs on him and they are impressed by his progress at Highlanders FC in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.' Monnapule Saleng's future at Orlando Pirates seems to have passed the point of no return following nearly six months on the sideline amid salary demands that club refused to meet. The latest news on the winger's future points to a shock move to Kaizer Chiefs, with whom he has reportedly signed a pre-contract with, however, this is yet to be confirmed. Sowetan legend Benedict Vilakazi doesn't approve of this move for the 27-year-old, saying, 'Is he (Saleng) that type of a player that can really play for Chiefs, the way they are playing? I don't think so.' 'An example, look at (Gaston) Sirino [at Kaizer Chiefs], he's no more the Sirino we knew at Sundowns, because of the type of players surrounding him.' 'What's happening to Sirino now, is the same thing that happened to Khama Billiat. The same thing that happened to Keagan Dolly and now it's happening to Sirino, you cannot have Sirino alone and not have other good players surrounding him.' 'Obviously he's going to have a lot on his shoulders. So, he needs support. So even if Saleng goes and plays for Kaizer Chiefs, he's going to struggle like Sirino is struggling, because there's no core at Chiefs that is very strong, that when everyone comes in (they fit in) like puzzles. Those pazzles at Chiefs are scattered.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Orlando Pirates revisit interest in exciting teenage attacker
Orlando Pirates revisit interest in exciting teenage attacker

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Orlando Pirates revisit interest in exciting teenage attacker

Orlando Pirates had a 16-year-old prodigy on their books not so long ago. Now, they've reignited their interest in the Zimbabwean star. According to Soccer-Laduma, Orlando Pirates are targeting young Zimbabwean forward Prince Ndlovu. The 19-year-old has trialled with the club in the past. 'He (Ndlovu) trained with Pirates in March 2023 and and at that time he was only 16 years old. He was preparing to go to Europe, but things didn't work out. It's believed that since then, Pirates scouts have apparently been monitoring him, and now they are willing to give him a chance on the team. They have kept tabs on him and they are impressed by his progress at Highlanders FC in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe,' said the source to the same publication. Since making the step up from youth to senior football in 2025, Jaedin Rhodes has flourished. Rhodes can operate in several attacking midfield roles, either on the flanks or behind a central striker. He made 23 appearances in the 2024-2025 league season for the Citizens. Availability is one of his biggest strengths. Last season, he made 29 league appearances, and the season before, he notched up 17. Why is Rhodes such a big deal? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Kaizer Chiefs coach travels to Egypt to lure Africa's most feared striker?
Kaizer Chiefs coach travels to Egypt to lure Africa's most feared striker?

The South African

timean hour ago

  • The South African

Kaizer Chiefs coach travels to Egypt to lure Africa's most feared striker?

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi reportedly travelled to Egypt last week to scout players as he looks to strengthen his squad. The 59-year-old coach has had a poor first season with Amakhosi, where he finished ninth in the Betway Premiership table. One signing most Chiefs want to see is that of Pyramids striker Fiston Mayele. The 30-year-old Congolese inspired the Egyptians to claim their first-ever CAF Champions League title. His brace against the Buccaneers in the second leg of the semi-final showcased his class and quality and he was again on song in the final against Mamelodi Sundowns. According to Soccer Laduma , the Kaizer Chiefs coach was also in Tanzania. 'The coach is looking at the players who he believes can help the team next season. Not just in the local competitions but in Africa as well,' a Chiefs source told Soccer Laduma. 'You know they were in Tanzania where they are set to sign Feisal Salum from Azam FC and the main reason for going to Egypt was to find out what's happening with Fiston Mayele. You know he knows he is from DRC, then Yanga and he believes he can help Chiefs in playing in Africa. That was his mission in Egypt.' Mayele was under the Kaizer Chiefs coach at Yanga but given what he earns and what he achieved in the past 12 months, it seems unlikely that he would want to move to the PSL. Amakhosi have recently parted ways with Ranga Chivaviro and will need to find a quality striker in the coming weeks. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store