Rulani Mokwena, the coach of Pyramids FC, has shed light on why he advised Sipho Mbule to join Orlando Pirates at the start of the 2025-26 season. Mokwena, who had previously coached Mbule at Mamelodi Sundowns, believed that the midfielder would fit in with the Pirates' culture and style of play. He noted that the club's fans appreciate players who can provide entertainment and have a certain profile. Mokwena's advice was influenced by his understanding of the club's history and values, which he learned from his time as a coach and his connection to the club's greats.
Mokwena revealed that Mbule's natural ability and ball control were key factors in his decision to advise him to join Pirates. He praised Mbule's flair and ability to make solutions on the pitch, which he believes is in line with the type of players that Pirates fans love to watch. Mokwena cited examples of players like Steve Lekoelea and Teko Modise, who were fan favorites at the club. He believes that Mbule's presence was crucial in Pirates' treble league title last season, particularly in important moments when the team needed to perform.
Mokwena's connection to Orlando Pirates runs deep, as he is the nephew of Pirates great Jomo Sono and son of another Bucs legend, Julius "KK" Sono. He also coached the Buccaneers in the late 2010s and has a good understanding of the club's culture and history. Mokwena's advice to Mbule was based on his knowledge of the club and its values, as well as his assessment of Mbule's abilities as a player. He believes that Mbule made the right decision in joining Pirates, despite the midfielder's eventual departure to Iraq's Zakho SC in July.
Mbule's time at Pirates was marked by an impressive start, with the midfielder earning call-ups from then Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. However, he faded noticeably in the second half of the season, and the team exited the Africa Cup of Nations in the last 16. Mokwena noted that he wasn't aware of other clubs that were interested in signing Mbule, including Kaizer Chiefs, who reportedly made an offer. He simply provided his opinion on the matter, and Mbule made his own decision to join Pirates.
Mokwena's new tenure at Pyramids FC has started brightly, with the Cairo club winning eight games in a row in the league and Champions League. The team won the 2024-25 Caf Champions League and finished as runners-up in the Egyptian Premier League for five consecutive years. Mokwena's success at Pyramids is a testament to his coaching abilities, and his insight into Mbule's decision to join Pirates provides valuable context to the midfielder's career.
Mokwena's comments on Mbule's time at Pirates highlight the importance of understanding a club's culture and values. He believes that players who fit in with the club's profile are more likely to succeed and be loved by the fans. Mokwena's advice to Mbule was based on his knowledge of Pirates and its culture, and he believes that the midfielder's decision to join the club was the right one.
The story of Mbule's time at Pirates serves as a reminder of the complexities of a player's career and the importance of making informed decisions. Mokwena's insight into the matter provides a unique perspective on the midfielder's career and the factors that influenced his decisions. As Mokwena continues to coach at Pyramids FC, his comments on Mbule's time at Pirates offer valuable context to the world of football.
Key points
- Rulani Mokwena advised Sipho Mbule to join Orlando Pirates due to the club's culture and playing style.
- Mokwena believes that Mbule's natural ability and ball control were key factors in his decision to advise him to join Pirates.
- Mokwena's connection to Orlando Pirates, as the nephew of Jomo Sono and son of Julius "KK" Sono, influenced his advice to Mbule.
