Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs is among those worried about the signing of midfielder Sipho Mbule.
Mbule was a surprise signing by Pirates on Tuesday when the club confirmed his arrival as a free agent after his contract at Mamelodi Sundowns expired.
New Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou got in his first signing just a day after his confirmation as Jose Riveiro’s successor but Bucs supporters are divided over the midfielder.
This is due to his behaviour off the pitch which has seen him accused of coming to work while under the influence during his time at Sundowns and even on loan at Sekhukhune United last season and Josephs is among those who are skeptical.
What worries Josephs about Mbule?
“I am not excited about this signing, neither am I disappointed about this signing. But I am worried about this signing. This is the first signing where I feel I am worried about,” Josephs said on SoccerBeat.
“Because this boy has so much potential, he can be a match winner, he has the talent, ability and he understands football. Football is in his blood.
“But it is not the football that we are worried about, it is the off-field antics that we are worried about and that is a bigger worry than the quality he possesses. What he has off the field affects his experiences on the field and that has been at all the clubs that he has been at.
“I am really worried, I would like to be excited because I am excited by his ability but coming to a ship like Orlando Pirates, can you tell me, name me one player who has come to Orlando Pirates and revived his career? none.”
Ex-Pirates keeper keeping fingers crossed
The former Pirates goalkeeper feels Mbule is a very risky signing who could do so well if he manages to avoid his off-field problems but who can equally turn into the punching bag when things go south.
“In Orlando Pirates is a different world. Only we know being inside there what it is all about. I hope he does not come in and his nickname is a barman, it cannot, he is an amazing footballer but my worry is not football,” he added.
“If he is focused on the job at hand, he can be devastating but we could see how disastrous he can be if it is not going Sipho Mbule’s way and that is my worry. The excitement is what he can do, his ability, but my worry is more than the excitement.”
It remains to be seen how coach Ouaddou will keep Mbule on his best behaviour having said previously that the midfielder just needs good management.
