Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Tebogo Moloi has revealed what he told Sipho Mbule after the latter signed for the Buccaneers.
This The 27-year-old was announced as the Sea Robbers first signing for this transfer window at the beginning of this week, signing on a free transfer after departing Mamelodi Sundowns.
He was later joined by Yanela Mbuthuma (from Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (Amazulu), Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka), and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch)
Offering advice to Mbule, Moloi says he told ‘Masterchef’ that he mustn’t think that he is at Pirates because the club “pity” him but rather due to his talent.
’HE’S HERE BECAUSE OF HIS UNMATCHED TALENT’
“MasterChef needs to understand that he is not at Pirates because they pity him, he is here because of his unmatched talent. Our chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, is a parent and a father figure; he has always provided players with a platform to perform,” Moloi shared with KickOff.
“Mbule is not the first player to receive such an opportunity from the chairman. I had my share of mischief as well. Before me, there were other troublesome players like Metroblitz (Mandla Sithole) and Tso (Ernest Makhanya), and more.
“So what Sipho must realize is that he is not the first special case to join Pirates. With Dr. Khoza, he not only has a father figure but also a man who understands the challenges faced by young black boys.
“I asked Sipho Mbule what he would like to be remembered for by the club's spiritual owners. I am genuinely excited about Mbule's signing.
“This is the first time I am revealing this, but I feel I should share it. Before the friendly game against Arsenal, Pirates played a match where I arrived at camp at 2 a.m. with a teammate, whose name I won't mention, and we were not in good condition.
“After that, I had a chance to escape the pressures of South African football. Few people know that I was heading in Sipho Mbule's direction, but thanks to the role the chairman played in my life, I managed to bounce back and help Pirates win the league title in 1994.
“I told Sipho yesterday, ‘Forget what people are saying about you. They know the talent you possess, and your discipline will improve.' I encouraged him to focus on making the spiritual owners proud.
“When I first met him yesterday, he seemed reserved, but after our conversation, he was smiling and laughing. Instead of saying to him, ‘Man, stay away from the bottle!', I helped him understand that he was at home at Pirates.”
