Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule’s absence from the recent Soweto
Derby against Kaizer Chiefs has been explained by his agent, Mike Makaab,
who revealed that the player is sidelined with a minor injury.
The 27-year-old has struggled for game time since the league resumed in late
January, making his first appearance of 2023 only in mid-February as a
substitute in a 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants. Prior to that cameo, Mbule
had been spotted in the stands with players not included in matchday squads.
There was optimism that the skillful midfielder, nicknamed “Master Chef,”
might feature in the subsequent high-profile clash against Mamelodi
Sundowns. However, he remained an unused substitute in the 2-1 defeat to his
former club.
When the matchday squad for the derby against Kaizer Chiefs was announced,
Mbule’s name was conspicuously absent—a detail largely overshadowed by
Orlando Pirates’ emphatic 3-0 victory.
Speaking to PSLSA, Makaab, the CEO of Prosport International, moved to
clarify the situation, dismissing any speculation about non-footballing
reasons for his client’s omission.
“Sipho is recovering from a small injury,” Makaab confirmed. “He’s back at
training, working with a fitness trainer and doing his rehab.”
The prominent agent drew parallels with recent suspicion surrounding another
Pirates midfielder, Thalente Mbatha, whose absence from squads was also met
with questions before it was confirmed he was carrying a knock.
“The same question was asked of me about Thalente Mbatha, and I said
Thalente had picked up an injury. It’s strange that when I say things,
sometimes people think I’m hiding something,” Makaab added.
“Thalente also had picked up an injury. You saw that he played against
Chiefs and had to come off—his knee was strapped. But he has progressed
nicely and hopefully he is over the niggle.”
Makaab’s comments aim to reassure Pirates supporters that Mbule’s absence is
purely injury-related as the midfielder works his way back to full fitness.
