Orlando Pirates legend and one of the club’s most revered former stars, Teboho Moloi, says that the Buccaneers did not make a wrong decision when they signed troubled and wayward star Sipho “Master Chef” Mbule this week.
Pirates stunned the South African football fraternity when they announced the capture of Mbule. The star is one of the most talented but ill-disciplined players in the Betway Premiership.
Disciplinary transgressions
Mbule was on the books of Mamelodi Sundowns, and the Brazilians had loaned him out to Sekhukhune United. Sekhukhune then decided to release the player after the dribbling wizard had a number of disciplinary transgressions. Social media was abuzz since the Pirates announcement. Some are saying it’s a bad move, while others reckon it’s a brilliant buy by Bucs.
Said Moloi: “It’s the best move by the young boy; everyone deserves to be given a second chance. Pirates have structures to manage troubled players. The club signed Jabu Mahlangu when he was at his lowest. And they gave him an opportunity to revive his career.”
Moloi was born into the Buccaneers’ royal family. He is the son of Pirates legend Percy “Chippa-Chippa” Moloi, one of the best to have donned the famous black and white jersey emblazoned with the crossbones and skull.
Moloi said that the club’s chairman, Irvin Khoza, is a genius who knows how to resuscitate careers.
Father figure chairman
“The chairman is not just a club boss – he is also a father figure to everyone in the club. Pirates is the kind of club that does not give up on talented players. They know how to get the best out of the players.
“The chairman also assisted me when I was struggling and needed support in 1993. I was a big star and partying a lot and the chairman saved me and my career. So, Mbule is in good hands, and we can’t wait to see him on the field of play,” he added.
The Buccaneers also explained that transitioning to a club of their stature goes beyond the pitch. Mbule, together with the new other arrivals at the club, were this week taken through an induction process that all new players undergo.
They had the opportunity to interact with some of the club legends. These include Edward Motale, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, and other legends.
This is coupled with a series of visits. And they include a trip to Soweto to visit a place that they will be calling home for the 2025/26 season, the historic Orlando Stadium.
