Sipho Mbule: Has Pirates star wasted another chance? Modise fires warning

Bafana Bafana legend Teko Modise has issued a stark warning to Sipho Mbule, cautioning that the Orlando Pirates midfielder is in danger of being remembered for unfulfilled potential rather than concrete achievements.

The blunt assessment comes after Mbule was conspicuously left out of Hugo Broos’s Bafana Bafana squad for the recent friendly matches against Panama in Durban and Cape Town.

Mbule’s career trajectory has become a source of frustration for many. After a promising start to the season following his high-profile transfer to Pirates, the 28-year-old’s impact has waned, and he has found himself on the fringes of the starting lineup in recent weeks.

Sipho Mbule’s rise and fall

Once hailed as one of South Africa’s most gifted midfielders, Mbule first made a name for himself at SuperSport United during the 2017/18 season. His ability to control the tempo of a game earned him a reputation as a special talent, eventually securing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

However, his career stalled at Chloorkop. A combination of off-field issues and inconsistent form saw him slide down the pecking order, which led to a loan spell at Sekhukhune United. His subsequent permanent move to Pirates was seen as a crucial career reset—a chance to thrive in an environment that encourages attacking freedom.

Initially, the transfer seemed to pay off. Mbule started the season strongly and secured a spot in the squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. But that early momentum has since faded.

A dip in form has resulted in limited playing time and, crucially, has damaged his standing with the national team. Once touted by coach Broos as a potential successor to Themba Zwane, Mbule is now on the outside looking in, with his prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad looking increasingly slim.

Teko Modise’s warning to MasterChef

Stan Matthews and Tlopi Motsepe asked Teko Modise to talk to Sipho Mbule about his behavior. I wonder is SD Phumudzo is doing the same now 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yzpktXC06v

— Akani Nwanati (@AkanimiltonM) March 30, 2026

This stagnation prompted Modise to speak candidly on the iDiski Dine Podcast.

“I know I might sound like a hater, but for me personally, it feels like he’s been ‘bubbling under’ for so long,” Modise stated as quoted by IOL.

“When Sipho was still at SuperSport, there were rumours of him going to [Kaizer] Chiefs, rumours of going everywhere. I remember doing a Sundowns-SuperSport game; as I left, I bumped into Stan Matthews [ex-SuperSport chairman] and he said to me, ‘I need to talk to you.’”

“He took me aside and said, ‘After you at SuperSport, the very same talent you had, the very same way I felt about you, is this boy Sipho. Can you please talk to him? I think he has great potential, just like you had, but I think he is just stuck in his ways.’”

Has Pirates star wasted another chance?

Modise explained that he has been repeatedly asked to mentor Mbule throughout the midfielder’s career.

“I have been asked to talk to Sipho for such a long time. Stan Matthews did; when Sipho signed for Sundowns, our chairman [Tlhopie Motsepe] did,” the former Pirates star revealed. “Maybe because we don’t have similar stories, but from a talent point of view, they saw a connection. Maybe there are people who told Sipho that I have an issue with him.”

“Sipho has the potential to be great, just like Rele [Mofokeng], [Jayden] Adams, or Teboho Mokoena. They all have greatness. But the reason why ‘Mshishi’ (Themba Zwane) is Mshishi is that he goes and trains extra every single day. The very same distractions that everyone playing football has, we had them too. Social media was there. There is no excuse; it’s on you. Use us as a reference.”