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Sipho Mbules Contract Terminated by Orlando Pirates; Siwelele FC Shows Interest
When the final whistle blew on the 2025‑26 Betway Premiership, the roar from Orlando Pirates’ fans faded into silence for Sipho Mbule. The 28‑year‑old central midfielder was officially released after the season ended, leaving him a free agent as the club announced it would not renew his contract.
Mbule joined the Soweto giants in the summer of 2025, a move that followed his release from Mamelodi Sundowns at the conclusion of the 2024‑25 campaign. He made a promising start, appearing in a number of matches and contributing to the Pirates’ midfield rhythm. However, his playing time dropped sharply in the second half of the season. Pirates recorded a mere two hours of on‑field action for Mbule during the 2025‑26 campaign, a stark contrast to the role he had played earlier.
The decision to part ways with Mbule aligns with a pattern the club has followed with players who struggle to secure consistent minutes. Management has emphasized a focus on talent that fits its tactical plans for the upcoming season, a strategy that has led to short‑term contracts for several squad members.
According to SportsBoom, Siwelele FC – a Mangaung‑based side competing in the Betway Premiership – is keen to sign the midfielder on a free transfer for the 2026‑27 season. The club’s interest comes as Mbule’s contract with Pirates expires, and negotiations reportedly are in the final stages with both parties open to a free move.
Mbule’s international profile surged during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, where he played a key role for South Africa. He also featured in the last four 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches that secured the Bafana Bafana’s place in the tournament. Despite these contributions, he was omitted from the final 26‑man squad announced for the 2026 World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The South African Football Association confirmed the squad in June 2026, and Mbule’s name was not listed. The omission was noted by the national team’s coaching staff, but no official statement was released explaining the decision.
Off‑the‑field issues have followed Mbule throughout his career. In a recent interview with SABC Sport, his agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed the player’s departure from Pirates. Makaab said the club had not provided a reason for the decision not to extend Mbule’s contract.
Siwelele FC’s potential signing would give Mbule a fresh start in the Betway Premiership. The club’s interest is reported to be at the final stage of negotiations, with both parties reportedly open to a free transfer.
Mbule’s career has been marked by flashes of talent and periods of limited involvement. His early promise was evident during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, but the club released him after the 2024‑25 season. His subsequent move to Pirates offered a chance to re‑establish himself, but the club’s decision not to renew his contract signals a shift in his professional trajectory.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, and South Africa’s participation is a significant achievement. Mbule’s exclusion from the final squad underscores the competitive nature of national team selection and the limited opportunities available to players.
As the 2026‑27 Betway Premiership season approaches, Mbule’s future remains uncertain. Siwelele FC’s interest provides a potential avenue for the midfielder to continue playing at the top level in South Africa. The club’s decision to sign him will be confirmed once the transfer window opens.
In summary, Sipho Mbule’s contract with Orlando Pirates has ended, he was not selected for the 2026 World Cup final squad, and Siwelele FC is reportedly interested in signing him on a free transfer for the next season. The outcome of these developments will shape his career trajectory in the coming months.
Mbule joined the Soweto giants in the summer of 2025, a move that followed his release from Mamelodi Sundowns at the conclusion of the 2024‑25 campaign. He made a promising start, appearing in a number of matches and contributing to the Pirates’ midfield rhythm. However, his playing time dropped sharply in the second half of the season. Pirates recorded a mere two hours of on‑field action for Mbule during the 2025‑26 campaign, a stark contrast to the role he had played earlier.
The decision to part ways with Mbule aligns with a pattern the club has followed with players who struggle to secure consistent minutes. Management has emphasized a focus on talent that fits its tactical plans for the upcoming season, a strategy that has led to short‑term contracts for several squad members.
According to SportsBoom, Siwelele FC – a Mangaung‑based side competing in the Betway Premiership – is keen to sign the midfielder on a free transfer for the 2026‑27 season. The club’s interest comes as Mbule’s contract with Pirates expires, and negotiations reportedly are in the final stages with both parties open to a free move.
Mbule’s international profile surged during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals, where he played a key role for South Africa. He also featured in the last four 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches that secured the Bafana Bafana’s place in the tournament. Despite these contributions, he was omitted from the final 26‑man squad announced for the 2026 World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The South African Football Association confirmed the squad in June 2026, and Mbule’s name was not listed. The omission was noted by the national team’s coaching staff, but no official statement was released explaining the decision.
Off‑the‑field issues have followed Mbule throughout his career. In a recent interview with SABC Sport, his agent, Mike Makaab, confirmed the player’s departure from Pirates. Makaab said the club had not provided a reason for the decision not to extend Mbule’s contract.
Siwelele FC’s potential signing would give Mbule a fresh start in the Betway Premiership. The club’s interest is reported to be at the final stage of negotiations, with both parties reportedly open to a free transfer.
Mbule’s career has been marked by flashes of talent and periods of limited involvement. His early promise was evident during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, but the club released him after the 2024‑25 season. His subsequent move to Pirates offered a chance to re‑establish himself, but the club’s decision not to renew his contract signals a shift in his professional trajectory.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams, and South Africa’s participation is a significant achievement. Mbule’s exclusion from the final squad underscores the competitive nature of national team selection and the limited opportunities available to players.
As the 2026‑27 Betway Premiership season approaches, Mbule’s future remains uncertain. Siwelele FC’s interest provides a potential avenue for the midfielder to continue playing at the top level in South Africa. The club’s decision to sign him will be confirmed once the transfer window opens.
In summary, Sipho Mbule’s contract with Orlando Pirates has ended, he was not selected for the 2026 World Cup final squad, and Siwelele FC is reportedly interested in signing him on a free transfer for the next season. The outcome of these developments will shape his career trajectory in the coming months.
