Latest news with #Makaab
The South African
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Agent defends former Sundowns star Mbule
Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule is living through the darkest days of his career. His agent, Mike Makaab, is showing up for him. As confirmed before the start of last season, Sundowns sent the 27-year-old Mbule on loan to Sekhukhune United. After 18 appearances, including two goals and three assists, the club released Mbule for alleged misconduct. During the 2022/2023 season, the Bethlehem-born star was punished by Sundowns for reporting to training under the influence of alcohol. Spotted: Sundowns' squad for the FIFA Club World Cup Sipho Mbule in Mamelodi Sundowns colours in the Premier Soccer League. Images: Goal Kaizer Chiefs target is the best in his country 'The sad thing is that it's crazy. When somebody has a 'tag', they seem to be the target of most of the negativity that prevails in the industry. It's crazy,' Mbule's agent, Makaab, told Soccer Laduma after his agent's exit from Sundowns. 'What I am saying to you is that if it were one player with a so-called clean reputation and another player with a sketchy reputation, and they did the same thing, you wouldn't hear about the player with the clean reputation. 'I say this honestly because I have been in the industry for 28 years and I've seen it with my own eyes,' Makaab added. 'I can tell you that yes, Sipho may not be perfect. But I can also tell you that what has been reported is far from the truth. I'd rather not divulge any further because I would then be implicating people, and I don't want to implicate people. What you've read about his so-called misbehaviour leaves much to be desired. And I'm not protecting him,' Makaab added. 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
21-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Sundowns decide to keep former SA international
Mamelodi Sundowns should not be expected to make new goalkeeping signings anytime soon. Staying the 28-year-old extended time out of the matchday squads, the Betway Premiership champions have decided to exercise his one-year contract extension. 'Jody February will stay with Mamelodi Sundowns beyond the current season,' his agent Makaab said. 'He signed a one-year extension with the club. 'This is an opportunity for Jody to fight for his place in the starting line-up at Sundowns. This season, he got some minutes, and it's something to build on going forward,' Makaab told FARPost. 'But also, we have to thank Sundowns for showing faith in him once again because he is a talented player.' 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
24-04-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Top football agent hits out at controversial X user
Mike Makaab is the CEO of Prosport International, and one of the most well-known local football agents who has a major influence on the careers of hundreds of players. Makaab is an active social media user, and so it was no surprise that he responded firmly to a shocking post made by controversial X user Rushsportson, which is known for making a host of dubious claims while hiding behind an anonymous handle. On Wednesday, the X user made a host of racially-fuelled accusations largely aimed at Makaab, first alleging: 'Pro-Sport Football agency CEO Mike Makaab fired head scout Xolani Nhleko because he is black & replaced him with a white Man United Fan, Alban Newman. Nhleko scouted & recruited 99% of players to the agency in more than 25 years & the company made billions.' 'Nhleko started with the company and was used to win black players over and it worked,' the X user Rushsport continued. 'He was also used to scout for talent at the location tournaments, including in Umlazi and Soweto.' In response to the first tweet, Makaab said a 'line had been crossed'. 'So let's get this straight @Rushsportson2. Xolani is like a son to me and you now make a false statement like this,' Makaab tweeted. 'He was with me for 20 years. He resigned to pursue a different career path. I have left you alone and not bothered with your continuous nonsense, as you are well known for attempting to clickbait serious people to increase your following without concern about being derogative towards certain people and attempting to damage their reputations and businesses. 'Continue and I give you my word I will finally expose you. You hide behind your X handle as a coward would do. If you were confident of your reporting, you would engage people and disclose who you are.' In another bizarre post from the controversial X user, a picture was posted with the following caption: 'Here is Xolani Nhleko's replaced Alban Newman with former Kaizer Chiefs player Parker, wearing his Manchester United jersey. Newman likes to take pictures with football players.' In response to that, Makaab also set the record straight, posting: 'Alban has been with Prosport for over 3 decades as a client and Head of SA Football.' WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS STRANGE STORY? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
