What Rulani Mokwena told Sipho Mbule ahead of Pirates move

In a documentary chronicling the Soweto giants’ 2025/26 campaign, Mbule, who has since left Pirates for Iraq, revealed that he sought advice from Mokwena while considering his next move amid interest in his services.

Speaking to the SA Football Journalists’ Association on Thursday, Mokwena unpacked the chat with Mbule, whom he previously coached during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

"The Orlando Pirates fans will tell you they come to watch the likes of Steve Lekoelea, Teko Modise and Sipho Mbule. I think pirates fans enjoyed having Mbule on the pitch because he has this natural ability to make complicated things look effortless and that's what captures the hearts and minds of Orlando Pirates football fans."

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Mokwena compared Mbule to greats like his uncle Jomo Sono, who dazzled the crowds for years. 

"Many great players have played for Orlando Pirates, but there is a small aspect that separate the ones who are really really loved by the fans from those who are just important players for the club. The picture that stands out from history is Jomo Sono standing on the ball against Chiefs, these kind of pictures are iconic, and players like Sipho Mbule have a capacity to bring a different kind of entertainment to the pitch like some players before him."

The coach added that he did not know Mbule had other offers and merely advised on whether he should join Pirates or not.