Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has revealed that he rejected an opportunity to join Kaizer Chiefs after leaving Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mbule’s contract with Sundowns expired last year, when he attracted interest from several clubs. Instead of moving to Chiefs, he opted to join their rivals, Orlando Pirates.
The midfielder discussed his decision while appearing in the Giants documentary, explaining that conversations with coaches and other influential figures helped shape his choice.
“Firstly, my contract with Sundowns ended. There were other teams that also wanted to sign me. Even Chiefs approached me,” Mbule said.
“The people and coaches that I spoke to, like coach Rulani, told me that the best team to join is Pirates because I think there was an opportunity for him to make a comeback [to the team].”
Mbule was referring to coach Rulani Mokwena, who was among those he consulted before deciding on his next club.
He spent one season with the Buccaneers and made 23 appearances in all competitions. Although he quickly established himself as a popular figure among the club’s supporters, his stay in Soweto was short-lived.
Orlando Pirates ultimately opted not to renew his contract, bringing Mbule’s spell at the club to an end before he moved abroad to join Iraqi side Zakho SC.
His difficulties at club level also had consequences for his international career. Mbule lost his place in the Bafana Bafana squad and subsequently missed out on the FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder has since returned to form in Iraq, where his performances for Zakho SC suggest he is beginning to rediscover the qualities that once made him one of the most highly regarded midfielders in South African football.
Mbule’s revival comes after a period in which his progress had stalled following his departure from Sundowns and his brief spell with Pirates. At Zakho SC, he appears to have found a platform to rebuild his career and regain his best form.
The move to Orlando Pirates had offered him the chance to remain in South Africa after leaving Sundowns, but his latest comments clarify why he selected the Buccaneers despite Kaizer Chiefs also making an approach.