Sipho Mbule challenged to grab Orlando Pirates opportunity and overcome negative reputation associated with him - 'This is a chance he may never get again'

Former Orlando Pirates striker Katlego Mashego has asked Sipho Mbule to take advantage of Bucs move and show his potential again in the Premier Soccer League.

While acknowledging that Mbule is a quality signing for the Sea Robbers, Mashego says the challenge is up to the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder to take advantage of it or waste it.

"This is a chance he may never get again. It's a personal matter; it comes down to the choices we make. That is up to him; no one is going to babysit him. He is an adult now," Mashego told KickOff. 

"At his age, he should know what he wants to achieve. We have all seen what he can do at his previous clubs, and we know his quality from SuperSport United."

"They are signing a quality player, but off-field issues have been holding him back. If he can sort that out, he could make it into the national team," he added.

"Being a Pirates player will provide him with the attention he's never experienced in his life. Ultimately, it's up to him."

After he left Sundowns when his deal was not extended, Mbule was finally announced by Pirates as their first signing. He had been linked and offered to Kaizer Chiefs, but he finally surfaced on the other side of Soweto, ending speculation around his future.

Mbule will work under Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is understood to be his admirer, but the midfielder must work hard and ensure the reported off-pitch issues he faced at Sekhukhune United do not overshadow his career at Pirates.

After his career stalled at his previous work stations, it is now upon him to resuscitate it, especially since he is viewed as one of the talented players in the league.

At Pirates, he has to contend with the pressure that comes with underperformance as well as stiff competition for a place in the starting XI.