Did Mamelodi Sundowns fail Sipho Mbule? Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder remarks Bafana Bafana star 'is definitely at the right team now'

Reports of indiscipline dogged Sipho Mbule during his time at SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, where he was on loan last season.

The central midfielder was more in the spotlight while at Sundowns, where he lost his place in the team, leading to him being loaned out and subsequently released. 

But a lifeline was thrown at him by Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who signed him, and the linkman is now a key Buccaneers player and has returned to the Bafana Bafana fold.

Former Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola believes the move to the Buccaneers was the best for Mbule. 

"Mbule is definitely at the right team now, and I can say that with 100% confidence. He looks very happy and seems to be enjoying his football; he’s working on finding his rhythm again,” Makola told KickOff.
"I believe that winning the MTN8 Cup will significantly boost his confidence, especially with his recent national team call-up as well.
"A fit Sipho Mbule can deliver double what he's contributing now. At the moment, he is not fully fit, but when he is, he can score goals from halfway or even outside the box.
"Sometimes, I think he is misunderstood. I know that football fans always expect victory, and every player goes into a match wanting to win. However, players also face challenges off the pitch, and unfortunately, there are few platforms for footballers to express those challenges. Many players deal with mental health issues that need attention," added the former Piratres star.
"When people don't understand Mbule, they tend to expect him to perform at his peak all the time.  If he wants to, Mbule can become Pirates' best player and a star at the club. Ultimately, it depends on his desire. If Sipho Mbule aims to play at the World Cup, he can achieve that - if he truly wants it."

About three months ago, Mbule looked like another talented star lost in South African football after Sundowns had released him, and Sekhukhune were not keen to have him permanently after his loan stint there.

But the midfielder has revived himself and is already being mentioned as a player highly likely to go to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup should Bafana qualify. 

Ouaddou appear to have been doing the right thing in handling Mbule and keeping him focused on his game.

It is to be seen if Mbule will be able to continue with his good form at Pirates, enjoying regular football.

That would heighten his chances of going to AFCON and possibly the World Cup.