Former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper William Shongwe believes that Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule can have a big impact in the upcoming Soweto derby if selected.
Mbule, 27, joined the Buccaneers at the beginning of the current campaign and has played 11 matches across all competitions with one goal under his belt.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns man has only featured in one league match in 2026, the 3-0 win over Marumo Gallants. Before that encounter he hadn’t been selected for three matches.
Shongwe told iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 244 of the newspaper that though Mbule sometimes appears to have a casual attitude he should start Saturday’s Soweto derby as he is a player for such big occasions.
“From my point of view, Mbule can make a huge mark on this derby,” Shongwe told iDiski Times.
“Start him right away. I know that some people feel he’s not incisive enough when he plays. Sometimes he takes it too easy.
“But these are the types of games that can set Mbule on the right path. He can be headstrong and say ‘right, this is my moment.’ He can let the people remember.
“They can forget all the other games, but this is the money game. He’s got that character.
“Yeah, he looks like a careless type of player sometimes. But behind that careless spirit, there is an attitude of one of the best, insofar as if you want a player to come perform for you, Mbule is that.
“He just needs those that know and understand him better. He needs someone who can inject him, make him a little bit angry. Just set him out, set him loose.
“Say yes, we’re playing as a team, and we’ve got an approach to how we want to play, but go play your game.
“He needs that kind of freedom. You want to set him loose. That is when he’s best. But when he’s playing too much in a structured form, you take away that independence, that freedom, that free spirit about him.”
You can read Shongwe’s full interview with Mamabolo in edition 244 when you subscribe to IDiski Times media WhatsApp number for FREE.
