Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Mbule ‘should be the Footballer of the Year’

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Teko Modise insists Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule has not yet realised his full potential despite his quality.

After his move to Mamelodi Sundowns from a now-defunct SuperSport United, the South Africa international struggled for consistency amid allegations of indicsipline cases. He was loaned to Sekhukhune United in the 2024/25 campaign before joining Bucs following Masandawana’s refusal to extend his stay.

Master Chef, as he is commonly referred to, had started his career at the Soweto giants brightly, but injuries and stiff competition have seen him struggle for regular gametime.

Ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder Modise has explained why he believes the 27-year-old is struggling to give his best.

Orlando Pirates’ Mbule should be POTY

“Masterchef is a great, great talent, the unfortunate part is, for me, it feels like he’s been bubbling under for so long,” Modise said as quoted by iDiski Times.

“At some point, Sipho should be a Footballer of the Year because of his quality, and nobody can do it for him but himself. And sometimes, for us to grow, it takes something bad to happen, before you can realise…but Masterchef is still bubbling under the potential.

“I see myself a lot in that guy also, in terms of the IQ of the game,” Modise concluded.

Mbule is not part of the Bafana Bafana squad for two international friendly games against Panama. It is interesting to see if coach Hugo Broos will consider him for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.