Ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder tells Orlando Pirates' Sipho Mbule - 'I don’t see you in the next six months playing in South Africa'

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder William 'Naughty' Mokoena has tipped Orlando Pirates' star Sipho Mbule to secure a move abroad soon.

According to the retired midfielder, Mbule could leave Bucs, a club he just signed for before the 2025/26 season began.

"I want to send a message to Sipho Mbule," Mokoena said, as quoted by KickOff.

"This is your time to man up and show people who you really are. I’m going to tell you this now: don’t try to do things to prove anything to people. Prove yourself first; the rest will follow," he added.

"I don’t see you in the next six months playing in South Africa. You have to go. You have to go abroad. Somebody is watching you. I wish you all the best, my boy. Keep pushing, keep hustling. Sebenza. Rhereza."

Mokoena has also urged Mbule not to focus on what people say, as his sole duty is to play and play better.

"The last thing I will say to you is to stay focused because now your name has been tainted, and you know that," he added.

So, with your name tainted, don’t try to prove to people that 'I’m going to do this and that' – no. Let your feet do the talking.

"But I’m guaranteeing you… Even the six months I’m giving you (to go overseas) is too long. In three months or four months, Sipho Mbule has to get an offer to go play overseas."

Mbule looks like a rejuvenated footballer this season and has managed to establish himself as a regular starter under Abdeslam Ouaddou.

His impressive form also earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad, and he was involved in both 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Although he was initially not named, an injury to his Pirates teammate, Patrick Maswanganyi, saw him receive Broos' call-up. The former Mamelodi Sundowns star did not disappoint in either game.

The attacking midfielder has always been viewed as a top-talented star who is destined for greatness. However, his career stalled a bit as he was linked with off-pitch controversies that reportedly saw his deal terminated by Sekhukhune United.

However, going by his performances so far, Mbule is giving signals that he is ready to resuscitate his career.