Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns legend Teko Modise has challenged Sipho Mbule to stay focused and hungry, and the national team will be his playground.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been inspired by the national side’s coach, Hugo Broos, starting in both 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after years in the wilderness.
With Themba Zwane and Patrick Maswanganyi sidelined by injuries, Mbule stepped into the gap and reminded fans of his ability.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ SIPHO MBULE STARS FOR BAFANA BAFANA
Mbule’s return to the Bafana setup has been a mixed bag, flashes of brilliance sprinkled with moments where he vanished from the game. But for Modise, the bigger picture is clear: the talent is there, and now it’s all about Mbule realising it.
“At certain stages I thought he came into the game, and he disappeared as well,” he said on SuperSport.
“But he hasn’t been in the team for long and he hasn’t really started at Orlando Pirates as well. But this is the type of game where I actually wouldn’t mind him, seeing how good he is.
“Cause he is a player that we needed, especially in that number 10 position with his creativity.
“And what a fight all the boys had. And he was also defending as well. So that’s the type of game where I actually don’t mind.
“We’ve always said that if only he can understand how talented he is. We just want him to live up to this potential that’s always been bubbling under for so many years.
“And this are the right opportunities for him, because if Bafana Bafana qualifies, he’ll work to get to the national team to actually go to the World Cup and that’s important for any footballer to go to one of the biggest stages in the world,” the Orlando Pirates legend concluded.
DO YOU AGREE WITH TEKO MODISE?
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