Sipho Mbule predicted for Kaizer Chiefs after Iraq spell

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khanye has suggested that Sipho Mbule‘s career could still see him don the famous gold and black, viewing his recent move to Iraq as a potential stepping stone back to the top.

Khanye expressed his approval of Mbule’s transfer to Iraqi Stars Football League side Zanakho FC, believing the change of scenery will allow the midfielder to concentrate solely on his football.

The 28-year-old joined the Iraqi club, which finished ninth in the 20-team league last season, as a free agent after being released by Orlando Pirates, where he was considered surplus to requirements.

“What is important is for Sipho to play football,” Khanye told KickOff. “Sipho is talented; he made a good decision by leaving the country. It’s a blessing in disguise.”

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The pundit emphasised that Mbule must take responsibility for his past career setbacks to move forward successfully.

“He must first admit to himself that he is the one who hurt his career,” Khanye shared. “He must thank God he is getting another chance again; some players don’t get so many chances in football.”

Khanye also praised Mbule’s agent, Mike Makaab of Prosport, for securing the overseas contract during a challenging period in the player’s career.

“I worked with Prosport some years ago,” he noted. “Most agents run away when things are like they are right now in a player’s career.”

Looking ahead, Khanye is optimistic about Mbule’s future, predicting a return to a major South African club and even a potential move to Europe.

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“This is another opportunity for him. Sipho will still come back to play for one of the big teams in the country, and after this, he might return to Kaizer Chiefs,” he stated.

“Besides Chiefs, he might go to a bigger country in Europe because they don’t know him there, so they won’t judge him like we do here. Because when it comes to talent, you can’t doubt him. What he’s got is rare.”

While acknowledging the move to Iraq might seem like “two steps backward,” Khanye believes it will ultimately propel Mbule “ten steps forward.” He also offered some personal advice for the player’s time abroad.

“He will focus throughout because he doesn’t have friends; he must take his wife and children with him,” Khanye advised, before adding a final critique of Mbule’s time at his former club. “At Pirates, they never believed in him; it was as if they were doing him a favour by playing him.”