Did Kaizer Chiefs put enough effort to secure Sipho Mbule? Agent confirms 'a lot of interest' in former Mamelodi Sundowns star signed by Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns released Sipho Mbule, who has since joined Orlando Pirates as a free agent.

The 27-year-old was on loan at Sekhukhune United last season but is now a Buccaneers player after having been offered to Kaizer Chiefs.

Mike Makaab, Mbule's agent, reveals that he would have wanted the player to go to North Africa, and there was also massive interest in him from the Middle East.

“Sipho Mbule, with all his issues, is a top-class football player, and it was always my opinion that he would either go to a club in North Africa," said Makaab on Gagasi FM as per iDiski Times.

"We had a lot of interest in the Middle East, particularly from three clubs in Dubai, and then we were of the opinion that it would be a big club in South Africa that would be interested or could sign him.

“The truth of the matter is that, of course, we were talking to a few clubs, of course there was interest, but I’m going to this and I’m going to say this for the last time – football clubs have a right to make decisions. Not based on what general consensus is."

What might have discouraged Chiefs from signing Mbule is the disciplinary record the player has carved for himself.

This is something that has followed the player from his days at SuperSport United, Sundowns and his loan spell at Sekhukhune United.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is aware of this and says it is just a matter of handling the player to keep him on the straight and narrow.

With Chiefs having missed out on Mbule, they have been criticised for that, especially as they are close to announcing the signing of Port Vale midfielder Ethan Chislett.

Pirates have signed eight players so far, and all eyes are on Amakhosi to see who they will bring to Naturena.