ZAKHO, IRAQ — In one of the most surprising twists of the current transfer window, former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana playmaker Sipho Mbule has officially secured a move to the Middle East. The 27-year-old maestro has signed a permanent contract with Iraqi Stars League powerhouse Zakho FC after hitting the free-agency market at the end of the domestic season.
The Buccaneers opted not to activate the two-year extension clause in Mbule’s short-term contract, allowing the exceptionally gifted but mercurial midfielder to seek a fresh start far away from the intense spotlight of the Betway Premiership.
Sinking Teeth Into the Iraq Stars League
Zakho FC—a rapidly rising force based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—proudly unveiled their new South African international across their official social media handles, backing “The Master Chef” to dictate their engine room for the 2026/27 campaign.
“South African player Sipho Mbule has officially signed with our club for the 2026–2027 season… Sipho Mbule stands out for his impressive speed and intelligence, with the ability to dictate the flow of the game at will and dominate the midfield. With Sipho’s arrival, our midfield will be stronger than ever.”
Zakho FC is no minor outfit; they are fresh off a historic third-place league finish and a dramatic run to the Iraq FA Cup final. Mbule will pull the strings in front of a passionate fan base at the ultra-modern, 20,000-capacity Zakho International Stadium.
Sipho Mbule: Career Journey & Reset
| Franchise / Club | Timeline | Notable Achievements / Notes |
| SuperSport United | Academy – 2022 | Burst onto the scene; established as an elite young talent. |
| Mamelodi Sundowns | 2022 – 2025 | High-profile transfer; struggled for regular starting minutes. |
| Sekhukhune United | Loan | Short spell aimed at rediscovering consistent form. |
| Orlando Pirates | 2025 – 2026 | 23 Apps; won the domestic treble & earned an AFCON recall. |
| Zakho FC (Iraq) | 2026 – Present | Signed as a free agent; looking to revive his international career. |
The Next Chapter for a Generational Talent
Hailing from Bethlehem in the Free State, Mbule’s raw footballing capabilities have never been questioned. During the first half of the 2025/26 campaign at Mayfair, he looked reborn—anchoring Jose Riveiro’s midfield across 23 appearances, helping the Sea Robbers lift an incredible domestic treble, and forcing his way back into the national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, a post-AFCON dip in minutes saw him slip completely down the pecking order behind the likes of Thalente Mbatha. Now, thousands of miles away from home, a regular starting berth in Iraq could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Mbule to remind the footballing world why he remains one of Mzansi’s most uniquely gifted midfield architects.
