Photo of Chumasande Matiwane

Sipho Mbule leaves Orlando Pirates after brief stint

5 months By Chumasande Matiwane

Orlando Pirates have parted ways with midfielder Sipho Mbule after just one season. The 28-year-old joined the Buccaneers in July 2025 on a free transfer after his contract with Mamelodi Sundowns expired.

He had an early promise, but Mbule did not live up to the hype and was benched for much of the second half of the season. He played 23 matches across all competitions, scoring only once.

Also see: Eye on the prize for the Orlando Pirates game tomorrow

Having lost his place in the Bafana Bafana squad after the 2025 AFCON, speculations rose on the midfielder’s future at Pirates. It is alleged that the player may have had a fallout with the head coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou.

SABC Sports reports, “A source close to the situation has confirmed that Pirates have informed Mbule of their decision not to extend his stay at the club. However, the talented midfielder is unlikely to be short of suitors ahead of the new season.”

Also see: Orlando Pirates dominate final PSL monthly awards

Sipho Mbule is a free agent after leaving Orlando Pirates

Mbule made a name for himself at SuperSport United, where he spent five years before making a big move to Mamelodi Sundowns in 2022. When he was at Sundowns, he won the league twice, but off-field issues derailed his career, and he was sent on loan to Sekhukhune United, where he also had discipline issues.

While at Orlando Pirates, it seemed Mbule was making the most of his second chance and played an instrumental role in the Buccaneers winning the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout. His biggest impact, however, was at Bafana Bafana, helping them qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Also see: Last match for Orlando Pirates this upcoming weekend

Featured image: X

Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp channel for content worth tapping into. Click here to join!

MZANSI MATTERS

Angelo Agrizzi ordered to pay state R1.66 billion over Bosasa corruption

Former Bosasa chief operating officer Angelo Agrizzi has been ordered to pay the state more than R1.66 billion following a Pretoria High Court ruling linked to corruption and money laundering at the company. Also see: Joe ‘Ferrari’ Sibanyoni denies alleged underworld links at Madlanga Commission The court ordered Angelo to pay R1,666,582,825.73, together with interest, […]

Read more...
ENTERTAINMENT

Phuti Khomo speaks on the inability to control what the world says

Veteran actress, beauty queen, and entrepreneur Phuti Khomo has shared a poignant and deeply personal reflection on social media, sparking a vital conversation around digital scrutiny, public judgment, and the protection of youth self-worth. Also see: LOYISO BALA TALKS IMPACT OF FURTHERING HIS STUDIES Reflecting on her decades within the entertainment industry, Khomo opened up […]

Read more...
MZANSI MATTERS

Special Election Day voting opens today to tomorrow

Special voting across South Africa has officially commenced today, Monday, 2 November 2026, marking the crucial first phase of the national electoral process. Also see: IEC SET TO LAUNCH NATIONAL RESULTS CENTRE AHEAD OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS Running strictly over two days through tomorrow, Tuesday, 3 November 2026, special voting provides an essential window for […]

Read more...