+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

From bad boy to consistent performer! Sipho Mbule's agent reveals the secret to Bafana Bafana star's early success at Orlando Pirates

The midfielder's time with Soweto giants can be described as a success so far, given how he has gone on to stamp authority as a first-teamer. His hard work also attracted Hugo Broos' attention, and he was part of the national team that successfully qualified for the World Cup.

  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    Driving force

    The agent of Orlando Pirates star Sipho Mbule, Mike Makaab, has revealed what is pushing the midfielder to achieve his full potential.

    Mbule has been a rejuvenated player this season, and Makaab has explained what exactly is pushing the former Mamelodi Sundowns star to become even better.  

    • Advertisement
  • Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage

    Commitment

    "I think there comes a time in everybody's life where you understand that you need to do something with the talent God has given you," Makaab told Soccer Laduma. 

    "I think Sipho understands that, irrespective of the talent, if he never worked hard and consistently committed himself to his career, he was never going to achieve his full potential," he added.

  • Kamohelo Moroane, Lioli FC, Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    What can Mbule do to perform better?

    Makaab explains that his agent needs only consistency in order to regain his stardom that was overshadowed by reports of off-pitch indiscipline cases, with many of his critics viewing him as a bad boy. 

    "The mere fact that Orlando Pirates showed an interest and finalised a deal for him gave him an opportunity to showcase what he is really about," he added.

    "I've spoken about it, and we've said the most important thing is to continue on this basis because it's all good and well doing this for two or three months, but if you want to make a good career out of anything in life, you've got to be consistent with your application, and I think Sipho understands that.

    "If you have a look at his weight and physical conditioning, I don't think I have seen him in this condition for a long time. We are both very excited about his future."

    • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • Hugo Broos, Sipho Mbule South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    Mbule's efforts rewarded

    Mbule's resurgence has not gone unnoticed; he was called up by Hugo Broos in the latter stages of the World Cup qualifiers.

    And given the fact that he played, that shows the national team tactician has hopes in him. He is seen as a long-term replacement for Mamelodi Sundowns' captain, Themba Zwane, who has been facing an injury crisis.

    Should he continue with his fine form, he is expected to play big roles during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals that will start later this year, as well as the World Cup showpiece next year.     

0