Themba Zwane on Sipho Mbule: ‘I told him he’d be back in Bafana if he focused’
Sipho Mbule has forced his way back into the national team after moving from Mamelodi Sundowns to Orlando Pirates.
Image: Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix
Mamelodi Sundowns star Themba Zwane has revealed his advice to Sipho Mbule, who has reignited his career after moving to Orlando Pirates in the off-season.
Mbule joined Sundowns in 2022, but due to Zwane’s form and standing at the club, he couldn’t force his way into the first team.
As a result, he dropped out of Bafana Bafana contention, and had some issues with his discipline that resulted in him dropping down the pecking order at Sundowns.
But, since completing a move to Ezimnyama ngenkani ahead of the 2025/26 season, Mbule has found a new lease on life, and has impressed for his club so much that he forced his way back into the national team.
Mbule is now the name on everyone’s lips after playing an important role as Bafana Bafana booked their place in next year’s World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Now, he set to be included into Hugo Broos’ plans for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, and World Cup.
“I think he’s got the quality that is amazing. And for me, I knew that if Sipho focuses, he will be here in the national team,” Mshishi was quoted by iDiskiTimes.
“We had small talks before he went to Pirates… I told him, ‘I think if you can push yourself, you will be in the national team, 100%’.
“And that’s what he did, and I’m happy for him, and he’s doing well, he’s putting more effort, he makes the team play, which is good for us.”
Mbule will hope to be in action when Bafana Bafana take on Zambia in an international friendly at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha this Saturday.
Zwane’s advice clearly struck a chord, and Mbule’s response on the pitch has done the rest. From a player once written off to one now driving both club and country forward, his turnaround has been remarkable.
IOL Sport