Former Sundowns star offers honest advice to Sipho Mbule

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Golden Arrows defender Siyanda Zwane has issued a direct challenge to Sipho Mbule, identifying the one missing ingredient he believes is holding the Orlando Pirates star back from greatness.

Mbule is currently enjoying a resurgence in his debut season with the Buccaneers following his departure from Chloorkop. After overcoming well-documented off-field hurdles and a loan spell at Sekhukhune United, the 27-year-old’s revival earned him a spot in the Bafana Bafana squad that reached the 2025 AFCON Round of 16 in Morocco.

However, in a candid video shared on his social media platforms, Zwane argued that the football world has yet to see Mbule’s final form.

The Sipho Mbule Missing Element: Work Ethic

Zwane, known during his playing days for his discipline rather than raw flair, used his own career as a benchmark for the Pirates playmaker.

“I was not a talented player when I was playing; everyone who watched me knows that,” Zwane admitted. “But the element that assisted me was hard work. You are better than me because you are talented. If you could combine that talent with a true work ethic, you would surprise yourself with the heights you can reach.”

The former Sundowns man didn’t pull his punches, questioning Mbule’s match fitness and longevity on the pitch. He urged the midfielder to look at his substitution patterns as a sign of a physical deficit.

“I want you to question yourself: Why, at club level, do you get replaced in the 60th minute? Why, even though your minutes are better at Bafana Bafana, can’t you finish a match?” Zwane asked. “If you don’t ask yourself these questions, I don’t think you are as ambitious as I think you are.”

Zwane concluded with a plea for Sipho Mbule to seek professional physical conditioning if necessary to bridge the gap.

“If you can’t help yourself physically, get someone who can. This is the one element lacking in your game. Fix this, and I promise you, you will be untouchable.”

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