Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has opened up about one of the biggest decisions of his career, revealing why he chose the Buccaneers despite receiving interest from Kaizer Chiefs.
Mbule became a free agent after his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns expired and had several options on the table before eventually joining Pirates.
The midfielder spent one season with the Buccaneers, making 23 appearances across all competitions, before departing for Iraqi club Zakho SC.
Why Mbule picked Pirates
Speaking in the Giants documentary, Mbule explained that Chiefs were among the clubs that showed interest in signing him.
However, conversations with people around him helped convince him that Pirates was the right destination.
Mbule said discussions with coaches, including Rulani Mokwena, played a role in his decision, with the advice pointing him towards a move to the Buccaneers.
The decision ultimately saw Mbule choose Pirates over their Soweto rivals.
A short but memorable Pirates spell
Mbule quickly became a popular figure among Pirates supporters and earned the nickname “Master Chef” during his time at the club.
Despite flashes of his ability, his stay in Orlando Pirates colours lasted just one season, with the club opting not to renew his contract.
His struggles for consistent club form also affected his international career.
Mbule subsequently lost his place in the Bafana Bafana setup and missed out on the opportunity to represent South Africa at the FIFA World Cup.
Mbule finding his feet in Iraq
The midfielder has since moved to Zakho SC, where he appears to have rediscovered some of the form that made him one of South Africa’s highly rated midfielders.
His performances in Iraq have provided a positive twist to a career that had stalled after his departure from Sundowns and Pirates.
For Mbule, the move to Pirates may not have produced the long-term success he hoped for, but it remains an interesting chapter — particularly because Kaizer Chiefs were also interested in signing him.
The question now is whether a return to his best form in Iraq could eventually put the “Master Chef” back on the Bafana Bafana radar.
Would Sipho Mbule have been a good fit for Kaizer Chiefs, or did he make the right decision choosing Orlando Pirates?
