As speculation swirls around Sipho Mbule’s future at Orlando Pirates,
his agent has moved to clarify the midfielder’s contractual situation—and
the news offers clarity for both the player and the club.
The 27-year-old joined the Buccaneers as a free agent following his
departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, having spent time on loan at Sekhukhune
United. While the length of his initial deal was never officially disclosed,
reports suggested a one-year agreement was in place.
Now, with the season approaching its climax and Mbule’s appearances limited
in the second half of the campaign, questions have naturally arisen about
whether the Bethlehem native’s time in Soweto is drawing to a close. His
representative, Mike Makaab, has provided the answers.
“Orlando Pirates have until the end of May to exercise an option and have an
option for a further two years,” Makaab confirmed to the Siya crew.
The revelation offers significant context to Mbule’s reduced game time since
the league’s resumption. The talented midfielder has made just two
appearances in the second round, a stark contrast to his first-half
performances which earned him a recall to the Bafana Bafana squad and
ultimately a place in the final Africa Cup of Nations roster.
According to Makaab, the primary reason for his limited involvement is not
related to contractual matters or form, but rather a persistent physical
issue.
“A niggling injury” has hampered the player commonly known as ‘Master Chef’,
with Makaab dismissing rumours suggesting alternative reasons for his
absence from the matchday squad.
The timing of this clarification is significant. With two international
friendlies against Panama scheduled as part of South Africa’s preparations
for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Mbule is understood to be
working diligently on his fitness in hopes of forcing his way back into Hugo
Broos’s plans.
For now, the immediate priority is recovery and reintegration. But the
contractual picture is now clear: Pirates hold the cards, with an option
that keeps Mbule’s immediate future in their hands until the end of May.
Whether they choose to trigger the two-year extension will likely depend on
his ability to overcome his injury concerns and rediscover the form that
made him one of the league’s most talked-about midfield talents.
