Latest news with #Bethlehem-born
The South African
08-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Tinkler: Orlando Pirates' Mbule can offer more
Eric Tinkler, the former coach of Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule, has offered a frank assessment on the midfield maestro, saying he is still short of what he's truly capable of. Tinkler worked with the then very young Mbule at SuperSport United before a reunion at Sekhukhune United last season. When asked about Mbule's performance in Orlando Pirates' recent MTN8 quarterfinal win over Polokwane City, Tinkler praised his natural technical ability but questioned his overall influence on games. Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Coach Nabi speaks Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule trains in Marbella before the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram Mbule became a Buccaneer after the Bethlehem-born star was released by Mamelodi Sundowns over reported ill-discipline. The 26-year-old was loaned out to Sekhukhune United in the latter half of last season, where Tinkler had a chance to work with him again. While his talent remains undeniable, concerns about his work rate and consistency continue to follow him. 'Sipho is a talent,' Tinkler told the media at the Betway Premiership launch. Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs target still belongs to Sundowns 'I watched the game (Pirates against Polokwane City on Saturday in the MTN8 quarterfinals), I will be honest. He does a few little technical things that made it all happen. 'But the contribution overall is what you got to ask. And can he be contributing more than what he does? Yes. I don't think he is contributing half of what his potential is. 'I'm being harsh, but he is not my player anymore,' concluded Tinkler. Meanwhile, Tinkler's Sekhukhune will be in Soweto to face Orlando Pirates on Saturday at 17:30 at the Orlando Stadium. 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.
The South African
08-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates handed Sipho Mbule strict contract terms
Orlando Pirates have placed strict conditions in Sipho Mbule's contract to manage his alleged off-the-field antics, according to Soccer Laduma . The Buccaneers stunned the South African football community by securing the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder on a free transfer, despite his well-documented disciplinary struggles. Mbule spent last season on loan at Sekhukhune United from Sundowns. However, Babina Noko reportedly struggled to control the Bethlehem-born playmaker's alleged ill-discipline. Reports even claimed that Mbule once arrived at training under the influence of alcohol, prompting then Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena to insist the player needed 'protection'. Insiders reveal that Pirates added specific clauses to Mbule's one-year deal to safeguard both the player and the club in case he reverts to past behaviour. This move comes after Sekhukhune terminated his loan early, with Sundowns choosing not to trigger the option on his contract and instead releasing him for free. Pirates announced Mbule's arrival shortly after appointing new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The 27-year-old wasted no time impressing during the club's pre-season training camp in Spain. His performances convinced Ouaddou to hand him a starting spot against Polokwane City in the MTN8. Mbule seized the opportunity, emerging as one of the standout performers in the victory over Rise and Shine. However, this publication has learnt that Orlando Pirates closely monitor every move Mbule makes, both on and off the pitch. Enforcing a protective clause in his contract to keep his conduct in check and safeguard the club's interests. Do you think it's right for Orlando Pirates to monitor Sipho Mbule like this? 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.
The South African
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
PSL star sends a serious message to Orlando Pirates midfielder
Sipho Mbule, one of the most beloved players in the local game, has joined Orlando Pirates ahead of next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. In came Orlando Pirates with a surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' 'Orlando Pirates didn't sign players to compete with Sundowns' Orlando Pirates players Sipho Mbule and Evidence Makgopa training at the Rand Stadium. Images: @orlandopirates/X 'I only congratulated him, wished him well, he's a good footballer, I'm a fan of his talent and what he is capable of doing,' Linda Mntambo told iDiski Times . Kaizer Chiefs news: Bafana winger and new number 10 'Hopefully he gets there and takes care of himself, does well and just pay back to the people who love to see him play, the people who are supporting him, like myself, I want to see him winning,' Mntambo. 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.
The South African
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star ‘won't have time to drink alcohol'
Sipho Mbule undergoes his fitness test before his first pre-season with Orlando Pirates. Original Image: orlandopirates/|Instagram Orlando Pirates have become Sipho Mbule's fourth club in the Betway Premiership after SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United. ADVERTISEMENT The 27-year-old has become a Buccaneer after he left Sundowns for reasons that include alleged reports of attending training under the influence of liquor. Former Orlando Pirates attacker James Mothibi believes the Buccaneers are an ideal platform for the Bethlehem-born midfielder. SIPHO MBULE AT THE RIGHT PLACE Kaizer Chiefs to finally announce eight players The year was 2017 when Mbule made his first professional debut for SuperSport United. After 101 games for Matsatsantsa, 51 for Sundowns and 17 at Sekhukhune, Mbule is preparing for his much-anticipated debut for Orlando Pirates. ADVERTISEMENT Sipho Mbule takes his medical test as a new Orlando Pirates player. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram Kaizer Chiefs news: Number 10 race and Khanye's big opinion However, Mbule has a past to shake off. 'Well, I know a lot of people are too focused on Sipho Mbule's off-the-field issues rather than what he actually offers on the field, and I'd like to see people give the boy a chance,' Mothibi told Soccer Laduma. 'To all the doubters, let me tell you something you don't know – Pirates is like a rehab. Pirates is a club that gives players a real opportunity to play, improve, and grow. There are so many things for players to do besides football. NO TIME TO CONSUME ALCOHOL AT ORLANDO PIRATES 'For example, if a player is injured, the club gets them involved in charity work and other activities. They keep you active, and Mbule will enjoy that structure. ADVERTISEMENT 'The supporters will embrace him. He won't even have time to go to the places people claim he will. To put it straight, he won't have time to drink alcohol like some assume, because the club will keep him busy,' the former Orlando Pirates player concluded. DO YOU AGREE WITH JAMES MOTHIBI ON SIPHO MBULE'S OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED AT ORLANDO PIRATES? 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. ADVERTISEMENT
The South African
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Sipho Mbule and a special meeting
Sipho Mbule, a popular midfield maestro in Mzansi football, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' Orlando Pirates news: Biokineticist and Pogiso Makhoye Sipho Mbule during his loan spell at Sekhukhune United from Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Sowetan According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. 'At 26 or 27, we shouldn't be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you're an adult,' Mabalane told Soccer Laduma . 'He's not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself…Full story here. Orlando Pirates: Special meeting for eight new players Orlando Pirates, a Leading Betway Premiership club, sealed eight new signings this week. The list includes Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, and Sihle Nduli. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting for the new Orlando Pirates footballers. Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. 'We were inducting our new players to give them a proper understanding of what to expect,' club legend Moloi told KickOff . 'We emphasised that their lives, as well as those of their immediate family members, changed the moment they signed with the club… Full story here. 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.
