Pirates Confirm Mbule Exit
Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed the departure of midfielder Sipho Mbule after deciding against triggering the extension option on his contract following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
The 28-year-old playmaker leaves the Buccaneers as a free agent despite a scintillating start to his short-lived career in Soweto. Mbule quickly established himself as an influential figure under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou during the first half of the campaign, famously slotting home the winning penalty in the MTN8 semi-final shootout against Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates secured Mbule’s signature at the start of the season following his release from Chloorkop. While he initially looked destined to fully revive his career at Orlando Stadium—even earning a Bafana Bafana recall for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco—his form dipped dramatically during the final months of the season.
Increased competition in the midfield engine room saw him drop completely out of Ouaddou’s matchday squads for the final five fixtures.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the departure of five players following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season,” the club announced in an official statement on Tuesday morning.
“The players who will be leaving the Club upon the conclusion of their respective contracts are Bandile Shandu, Sipho Mbule, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Karim Kimvuidi, and Deivi Miguel Vieira (Gilberto).”
“The Club would like to place on record its appreciation for their service during their time with the Buccaneers and wishes them all the best in the next chapters of their respective careers.”
As it was previously announced by Sportswire, Mbule leaves Mayfair having made 23 appearances across all competitions, netting a single goal.
Despite his late-season omission, he departs with a domestic treble to his name, having helped the club secure the Betway Premiership title, the MTN8, and the Carling Knockout Cup.
The midfielder’s exit coincides with a massive squad restructuring at Mayfair, which includes the arrivals of Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohale Ngwato, and Ghampani Lungu, while defender Thabiso Lebitso moves to Stellenbosch FC as part of a direct swap deal for the former.
