Agent clarifies Sipho Mbule's move to Pirates, addresses Chiefs speculation

Sipho Mbule: Photo credit: Mamelodi Sundowns

Mike Makaab, the agent for newly signed Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule, has shed light on the widespread interest in the player and dispelled rumours surrounding his highly anticipated move.

Mbule, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Sekhukhune United from Mamelodi Sundowns, became a free agent on June 1st after Sundowns opted not to renew his contract.

Makaab previously stated that Mbule was offered to Kaizer Chiefs, leading to considerable disappointment among Amakhosi supporters following his signing with bitter rivals Orlando Pirates this week.

However, Makaab insists that interest in Mbule extended far beyond local shores, including clubs in North Africa and the Middle East. He emphasised that the ultimate decision regarding a player's destination rests with the clubs themselves.

"Let me address your comment, you were expecting to see him somewhere else, that was speculation," Makaab clarified on Gagasi FM. "Don't forget that Sipho Mbule was only declared a free agent on 1 June because Sundowns had an option until the end of May – so we could not do anything with Sipho until the 1st of June.

"Firstly from a contractual points of view and secondly from an ethical point of view. We don't like to deal in a way where we're talking to clubs while the player is contracted to another club, and a possibility is that a player's contract might be extended."

Makaab stressed his agency's ethical approach, stating, "To put the record straight, we only started looking at options for Sipho on 1 June."

Meanwhile. Mbule's agent also denied any preferential treatment in his dealings with various clubs. "This business about making these misconceptions regarding I deal with Mamelodi Sundowns in one way, Kaizer Chiefs in another way, Pirates in a different way, Sekhukhune United… it's not true at all," he asserted.

He also refuted accusations of actively marketing players to generate interest. "One thing I'll never do, and I've been accused of this, take a player and try market the player to get another club interested – absolutely not."

Ultimately, Makaab reiterated that while there was indeed interest in Mbule and conversations with multiple clubs, the final decision always lies with the clubs themselves, independent of public opinion or fan expectations.