Mike Makaab Makes Prediction About Sipho Mbule’s Future After Zakho Move

After Sipho Mbule’s contract with Iraqi club Zakho SC expires at the end of the season, his agent Mike Makaab believes the midfielder would remain overseas even after the season ends. This suggests that Mbule may be planning a lengthier stay away from South African football.

The most recent remarks provide a fascinating glimpse into the future of Mbule’s career after he left Orlando Pirates. Once the Buccaneers opted not to keep the 28-year-old midfielder beyond the 2025/26 season, he made the surprising transfer to Iraq. What seemed like a leap of faith in the player’s professional future at first is turning out to be a chance for him to start over, free from the scrutiny of the Premier Soccer League.

Since Makaab has had a hand in the midfielder’s professional choices, his opinion is weighty. The agent has previously gushed over the player’s adaptation to Iraqi life, praising his positivity, dedication, and enhanced physical fitness.

Makaab was pleased with Mbule’s turnaround, saying in August comments cited by iDiski Times that he had seldom seen the midfielder in better shape. Additionally, he mentioned that the player had no trouble adjusting to his new home and was thoroughly enjoying his time playing football at Zakho.

These changes are significant because they provide light on the difficulties Mbule had in his last months with Orlando Pirates.

After signing with the Soweto giants before the 2025/26 season, the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns player had a promising debut. He was a thrilling asset to the Buccaneers’ midfield because of his technical skill, imagination, and ability to control the pace of games.

As the campaign went on, though, his participation waned. Despite displaying flashes of his talent, he left when the Pirates decided against exercising the option to extend his contract.

He could start over in Zakho, free from the pressures of the PSL, thanks to his transfer.

The promising start that Mbule had in Iraq also gave cause for optimism. In his debut for Zakho, he was named Man of the Match by iDiski Times. He then went on to score a goal and set up another in a 2-2 tie with Diyala.

It appeared from his contributions that the midfielder was starting to settle into a new football groove.

His international success is still something to keep an eye on for South African fans, especially those who followed his career at SuperSport United, Sundowns, and Pirates. Consistency has been key to Mbule’s career, despite his long-standing reputation as a technically skilled footballer.

If his stint in Iraq is fruitful, he may be able to leave the national team right away and become a regular international professional.

Additionally, Bafana Bafana could be affected. Mbule was once a star under Hugo Broos, but he’ll need to play regularly for his club and keep up his good work if he wants to be considered for international teams again.

Having played on a South African national team is no assurance, though, just because you did so outside of the country. It all comes down to his fitness, performances, and capacity to keep up a high level throughout the season.

The backdrop is also important for understanding Makaab’s prophecy on Mbule’s destiny. This is only the player’s agent’s opinion; it doesn’t mean Zakho has signed a new deal or that he’s been offered a contract by another international team.

Still, the player’s professional trajectory has shifted significantly in a short amount of time, and the prospect of playing overseas is indicative of that.

Maximising his opportunity at Zakho should be Mbule’s top objective at the moment. His current pact is about to expire, and if he keeps up his regular performance, he could get even more attention from clubs outside of South Africa.

While a return to the PSL is always possible, Makaab’s most recent evaluation gives hope that the midfielder has discovered a place where he may flourish professionally.

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