‘Whatever distracting Pirates’ Mbule can be swept away’ – Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo

Since joining Orlando Pirates at the beginning of the 2025/26 season, former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule has shown massive improvement.

The 27-year-old has fit seamlessly into the Buccaneers team and delivered when given an opportunity to do so. Mbule was also part of the Bafana Bafana team that took part in the most recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, matches Hugo Broos' men won 3-0 and drew 1-1 respectively.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo is impressed with Mbule's display, insisting he has proved he has what it takes to make the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad for the forthcoming competition that will be played in Morocco from late December.

The former South Africa international has advised Mbule what to do to sustain his consistency on the pitch.

I would love Mbule to take South Africa to the next level 

“Yes, I think it’s a work in progress for him at Orlando Pirates. We need to give him time to settle. But I was so impressed to see what he can offer at Orlando Pirates,” he said in his recent interview with the media.

“Believe it or not, if he can do that at Orlando with 60,000 people and being a novice at Orlando Pirates, I strongly believe that he will be capable of giving us what we want as a country in Morocco, because he’s an experienced player and a very gifted young boy.

“I always talk about him to Hlompho Kekana. And I just hope and wish that whatever distracts him can be swept away and he can focus because what a talented young boy, and I’m his fan, you know.

“I would really love to see him take this country to another level, and his football to another level. So without any doubt or fear, Mbule can be able to deliver for us as a nation,” Khumalo concluded.

With his performances, Mbule can slot seamlessly into the Bafana Bafana team against any team.