Orlando Pirates are midway through the 2025/26 season, and it’s time to hand out the report cards.
This feature looks at how the club’s 12 new signings have fared so far, moving from defence all the way through to attack.
After covering Sihle Nduli in the previous article, we now turn to Sipho Mbule, the 27-year-old midfielder from Bethlehem.
SIPHO MBULE BECOMES A BUCCANEER
Mbule joined Orlando Pirates under some scrutiny. He had been released by Sekhukhune United (loan) and then Mamelodi Sundowns following alcohol-related misconduct.
Despite the doubt, Mbule created high excitement among the Sea Robbers fanbase. He is South Africa’s prototype of technical elegance and confident arrogance on the ball.
Following the announcement in July, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said: “Diamonds need to be protected… Mbule, it’s up to him, not up to me [to succeed].
“We will be with him, we will support him, and we already spoke to the staff, we will do everything to bring him to the lights,” the French-Moroccan added.
MADE FOR ORLANDO PIRATES?
Fast forward a couple of months, and Mbule has been one of the most exciting midfielders in the country.
While he surprisingly hasn’t scored or registered an assist in his 16 appearances so far, his passing range, first touch, and composure on the ball have made him an instant fan-favourite.
He can thread a ball through tight spaces or calm the game with a single elegant touch, showing why Orlando Pirates took the gamble on him.
Mbule may have been missing from scoresheets, but his ability to control midfield tempo, kick-start attacks, and bring flair under pressure has made him a clutch player for Orlando Pirates.
Mbule’s resurgence didn’t go unnoticed. Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos rewarded the SuperSport United academy graduate with a call-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mid-term report card – Great promise: 6.5/10.