“Ready for the challenge”: Sipho Mbule’s first words as a Pirates player

New Orlando Pirates signing Sipho Mbule has expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he and his new teammates have received at the Soweto giants.

Mbule’s move to the Buccaneers was announced last Tuesday, though the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed. He joined the club as a free agent after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns when his contract expired on June 30.

The talented midfielder’s arrival was followed by the unveiling of seven other new faces: Tshepang Moremi, Sihle Nduli, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, Masindi Nemtajela, Nkosikhona Ndaba, and Yanela Mbuthuma.

The new cohort embarked on an induction tour on Monday, familiarising themselves with the club’s rich history and facilities. The tour included visits to their training grounds at Rand Stadium, the home of founding member Bethuel Mokgosinyane in Orlando East, the Zodwa Khoza Foundation, and the iconic Orlando Stadium.

Adding to the welcome, the players also met with Pirates legends such as Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward “Magents” Motale, and Innocent Maela.

Mbule, known as “Master Chef,” believes the induction process is crucial for him and the other new arrivals to understand the club’s ethos and prepare for the upcoming season.

“Today’s induction sessions are going to help us a lot,” Mbule told PiratesTV. “They are going to make things easy for us so that we can know what’s going on.

“We’ve already seen where we’ll be training, so I think our minds are getting ready for the upcoming challenge.”

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