Doctor Urges Mbule To Overcome Off-Field Issues For Bafana Success
Legendary Doctor Khumalo expressed his desire for midfielder Sipho Mbule to resolve his off-field issues, believing it would help him elevate his game.
Mbule, who joined Orlando Pirates from Mamelodi Sundowns during the off-season, was called up to the Bafana Bafana squad as a replacement for the injured Patrick Maswanganyi. This opportunity arose after Themba Zwane was also ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Mbule seized the chance, delivering a standout performance in Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 draw with Nigeria at Toyota Stadium on Tuesday. The former Sundowns star even thrilled the Bloemfontein crowd with a skillful turn that created a scoring chance for his team. He also started in the team’s 3-0 victory over Lesotho.
Khumalo’s Remarks
Khumalo, a key member of the 1996 AFCON-winning team, wants to see Mbule included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He emphasized that for this to happen, Mbule must overcome his personal challenges.
“I think it’s a work in progress for him at Orlando Pirates,” Khumalo said. “We need to give him time to settle. I was very impressed with what he showed he can offer. If he can perform like that at Orlando Stadium, with 60,000 people and being a newcomer to the team, I strongly believe he’s capable of giving us what we need as a country in Morocco.”
Khumalo added that Mbule is an “experienced player” and a “gifted young boy.” He continued, “I always talk about him with Hlompho Kekana. I just hope and wish that whatever distracts him can be swept away. He can focus because he’s a talented young boy. I’m his fan, and I’d love to see him take this country to another level and his football to another level. Without a doubt, Mbule can deliver for us as a national team.”
Qualification Race
Bafana Bafana needs just one win from their final two FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month—against Zimbabwe and Rwanda—to secure their spot in the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
In the African qualifiers, only group winners earn automatic qualification. The four best second-place teams will compete in a play-off round for a chance to qualify.
