Arguably the most high-profile signing of the current transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season is that of Sipho Mbule by Orlando Pirates.
The highly rated midfielder joins the Buccaneers on a free transfer, having been released by Mamelodi Sundowns following a troubled loan spell at Sekhukhune United. Often described as a ball genius, a superstar, a master, Mbule has yet to fully live up to those lofty labels, largely due to off-field misdemeanours that have limited his time on the pitch.
That a player such as Teboho Mokoena has gone on to become a continental star — despite having once been considered the lesser talent when the pair were at SuperSport United — underscores Mbule’s failure to fulfil his potential. Now that he has joined Pirates, many believe he may finally turn a corner, with the club renowned for managing so-called “bad boys” and helping them get back on track.
Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Sipho Mbule to the Club.
⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/LrxkVh1kw4
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 24, 2025
TV analyst and former professional Mark Haskins is among those who rate Mbule highly and is excited to see the 27-year-old don the famous black and white of Pirates.
“I think this is a match made in heaven,” the former Jomo Cosmos midfielder told Independent Media.
“I think he’ll fit into the Pirates set-up like a hand in a glove. We could see the best of Sipho Mbule this coming season. This is his time to shine. It’s really up to him — the ball is in his court.”
Haskins says this with confidence, knowing that Pirates can provide the right environment for Mbule to flourish.
“The management at Pirates understands how to handle the South African footballer and the challenges that come with it. With their experience, the chairman (Irvin Khoza) and his sons know how to navigate such situations, and I’m sure they would not have taken this decision lightly.
“They would have put down a clear plan on how to take care of Sipho Mbule. They know the challenges he comes with, and they won’t be surprised by anything.”
Haskins, who also played for the now-defunct Moroka Swallows and Bidvest Wits, believes Mbule is one of the finest players the country has produced in years — and says it has pained him to see such talent underutilised.
“I told him, ‘you’re cheating us. You’ve not given us your very best.’
“He is a complete player — a very rare gem. Most players are either good going forward but can’t defend, or vice versa. But he’s the complete package.
“He can go both ways — he can defend, and he’s superb offensively. He’s deceptively quick and hard to push off the ball. He’s intelligent and uses space well. And he can score goals — oh yes, he definitely knows how to score.
“Yaya Touré is one of my all-time favourite midfielders, and Mbule has some of his qualities.”
Haskins has held this view since first watching Mbule as a youngster.
“I honestly said it years ago on national TV when he was still at SuperSport United, and my opinion of him hasn’t changed — despite his off-field issues and setbacks. I hope he can put all that behind him and grab this lifeline.
“He’s already played for one giant in Sundowns, and now he’s joining one of the top two in terms of support and history. I really hope he makes the most of this opportunity.”
