Orlando Pirates made a brave decision to sign former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule despite his off-pitch controversies.
While at Masandawana, the 27-year-old was accused alongside Andile Jali of allegedly reporting for training under the influence of alcohol. He was again fired from Sekhukhune United at the end of his loan deal last season for off-pitch disciplinary breach.
It might have contributed to Sundowns' decision not to extend his stay at the club, but the Buccaneers signed him on an initial, reported, one-year deal with an option to extend it. Babina Noko, Captain Linda Mntambo believes Mbule can use this golden opportunity to clear his name.
‘Mbule is a good footballer'
“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. Hopefully he gets there and takes care of himself, does well and just pays back to the people who love to see him play, the people who are supporting him, like myself, I want to see him winning,” the former Bucs player told the media.
“I was close to Sphola, before he came to the club, Sekhukhune United, we had a conversation, he said skipper, I wanna come over, and I said it’s the best platform for him, it’s a team with senior and youth, a good combination of a squad we have. It allows you to succeed, to flourish, to shine.
“Look at the players we’ve had Elias Mokwana, now in Tunisia, Mandaza [Tiwani] was signed by Sundowns, we have players in the national team. We saw an exceptional talent, Vuyo Letlapa come from the lower leagues, signing with us and then showing how good he is and now he’s in the Bafana Bafana team, we have a solid team; Sphola, I just hope he does well in his new home,” Mntambo concluded.
