Sekhukhune Sign Mobbie As Pirates Defender Exit Looms
Sekhukhune United’s prospects of extending Tshepo Mashiloane’s loan stay from Orlando Pirates appear increasingly slim following a reunion with their former defensive stalwart, Nyiko Mobbie.
Sekhukhune secured Mobbie’s signature from Siwelele FC, welcoming back the reliable right-back who previously enjoyed a highly successful loan tenure at the club from Mamelodi Sundowns. The former Free State Stars defender will officially join Babina Noko on a free transfer when his contract with Siwelele expires at the end of June.
The 31-year-old fullback—a long-time favorite of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos until October last year—made 20 appearances across all competitions last season, helping Siwelele secure a 10th-place finish in the Betway Premiership.
Mobbie’s high-profile arrival directly impacts Mashiloane’s future. The 24-year-old originally joined Orlando Pirates from Baroka FC at the start of last season, making just two league appearances before the Buccaneers loaned him to Sekhukhune ahead of the transfer deadline.
Mashiloane proved to be a valuable asset for Babina Noko, registering two goals and two assists in 18 appearances across all competitions to steer the club to a commendable fifth-place finish on the log. However, that impressive output was seemingly not enough to convince management to extend his stay, as the club prioritized a permanent, familiar option in Mobbie.
The Shikundu-born defender boasts an extensive history with Sekhukhune. Across three distinct loan spells between 2021 and 2024, Mobbie notched 90 appearances for the club, contributing one goal and two assists.
An established Premier Soccer League veteran, Mobbie has racked up 265 senior appearances, four goals, and 12 assists since making his top-flight debut during the 2015/16 campaign with Free State Stars.
Mobbie will walk into a transforming dressing room next season. Sekhukhune is currently heavily linked with a move for former Kaizer Chiefs tactician Cedric Kaze to take over the vacant head coaching hot seat.
