Newly signed midfielder Sipho Mbule is still working hard to earn playing time at Sekhukhune United, according to head coach Lehlohonolo Seema.

Mbule joined Babina Noko on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns on the final day of the transfer window.

The 26-year-old central midfielder has quickly adapted to his new surroundings in Polokwane. “Sipho has been training and the good thing in our league, the players are friends, they know each other,” said Seema. 

“Even on social outside football, they play together and all that. So, it has been easy for him to adapt and to feel at home immediately.  
“I was even surprised when I saw him walking with one guy from another country… 

“I must say that the two weeks he has spent in Polokwane, it has helped us a lot in terms of team relationship and try to understand each other.  

Mbule will face competition for playing time from Thabang Monare, Jamie Webber, and Relobogile Mokhuoane. However, Seema believes he’s not far from making his debut for Sekhukhune.

“Getting closer to the playing match, Mbule knows that he didn’t find the team that doesn’t have players, defenders, strikers. He has to make sure that he gets to play,” he added.

“But the good thing is, he has been training where he was coming from in the pre-season. All I can say, he is not far at all.  

“But it is work in progress to try and make sure that he gets to understand the way we want to play at Sekhukhune United, adapt to the team’s structure and make sure that he understands his team-mates.  

“But it is promising.”

In the past two seasons at the Chloorkop-based outfit, Mbule has played 51 matches and scored three goals with one assist in all competitions.  

Sekhukhune will host Golden Arrows at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (15:00).