Sipho Mbule joins Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have officially announced the signing of midfielder Sipho Mbule, who joins the club on a free transfer after his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns.

The move sees the 27-year-old become the Buccaneers’ first confirmed signing ahead of the 2025/26 season.

And his unexpected arrival at Pirates on Tuesday follows hot on the heels of another surprise announcement: Abdeslam Ouaddou was named the club’s new head coach on Monday.

“Orlando Pirates is pleased to welcome Sipho Mbule to the Club,” reads the brief statement by the former CAF Champions League winners.

Mbule becomes the Buccaneers’ latest acquisition. He joins Tshepang Moremi and Sinoxolo Kwayiba as new faces in the squad. However, Pirates is yet to confirm the signings of Moremi from AmaZulu FC and Kwayiba of Chippa United.

The 27-year-old Mbule arrives at Pirates as a free agent after being released by Sundowns last season. He spent two seasons at the Tshwane giants, struggling to secure a regular spot before being loaned to Sekhukhune United last term.

Mbule’s loan spell at Sekhukhune started brightly, with a strong first half of the campaign that even caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who included him in his preliminary squad.

However, off-the-pitch issues hindered his progress at Babina Noko, leading to his exclusion from the squad. But Mbule’s off-field antics and behaviour are expected to improve significantly under the no-nonsense and vigilant leadership of chairman Irvin Khoza at Pirates.

Meanwhile, earlier on Tuesday, Pirates also unveiled their new kit for the 2025/26 season, becoming the first Premier Soccer League team to do so.