‘Assists are good but…’ – Ex-Kaizer Chiefs star explains what is lacking from Sipho Mbule

Former Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela feels Sipho Mbule now needs to add goals to his name now that he is being trusted in the No.10 role for Bafana Bafana.

Mbule was the man of the match as South Africa beat Zambia 3-1 on Saturday, supplying two key assists for Oswin Appollis and Mohau Nkota, before Sphephelo Sithole headed in the third one from a corner as Hugo Broos men took a 3-0 lead inside 68 minutes.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder has been growing in strength since his return to the national team in September after four years out and has become undroppable for Broos who looks set to rely on him at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as well as next year’s World Cup.

Masilela, however, feels goals would make Mbule a complete playmaker and elevate his game to the next level for both club and country.

Mbule told what is still missing from his game

“You just need goals, here and there to chip in with the goals,” Masilela said on SoccerBeat.

“First half he [Mbule] had that cross that he ballooned over. We want him to convert those chances. He has to chip in with the goals but the two assists, the first was brilliant, how he managed to dribble and there were two guys trying to press him and being able to spot Apppollis.”

Mbule has been a mainstay since returning to Broos’ team ahead of matches against Lesotho and Nigeria in September and followed it up with starring roles against Zimbabwe and Rwanda before his class act when South Africa hosted the Chipolopolo.

With Themba Zwane struggling with injuries and his participation in the AFCON in doubt, ‘Masterchef’ is seen as the man set to provide the recipe for success during the tournament slated between December 21 and January 18 in Morocco.