Sipho Mbule’s agent, Mike Makaab, has opened up about the details behind the former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder’s recent transfer to Orlando Pirates — and cleared the air on rumours involving other clubs like Kaizer Chiefs.
Pirates Move Only Possible After June 1
Mbule spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Sekhukhune United, but officially became a free agent on 1 June after Sundowns opted not to extend his contract. Makaab explained that until that date, no official talks could be held with any club.
“People forget that Sundowns had an option on his contract until the end of May,” Makaab told iDiski Times. “We couldn’t speak to anyone about his future until June 1 — both legally and ethically. We don’t conduct business while a player is still tied to a club.”
Makaab firmly denied any shady dealings, saying his agency respects the integrity of contracts and won’t initiate talks prematurely.
Chiefs Link and Interest Abroad
While Mbule eventually joined Orlando Pirates, Makaab confirmed that there were serious inquiries from clubs outside South Africa as well.
“We had interest from the Middle East, particularly three clubs in Dubai,” Makaab revealed. “And we thought a big South African club would also make sense.”
As for the links to Kaizer Chiefs, Makaab confirmed he offered Mbule’s services to them — but emphasized that the final call rests with the club, not fans or agents.
“Yes, I spoke to Chiefs. But clubs choose who they want to sign. It’s not based on public opinion or rumours,” he added. “No club in the world signs a player just because fans expect them to.”
Setting the Record Straight
Addressing online speculation, Makaab dismissed suggestions that he favours certain clubs or uses transfers to create bidding wars.
“I’ve heard the claims — that I push players toward certain clubs or try to trigger interest elsewhere. That’s simply not true,” he said.
Makaab explained that agent-club relationships are built over time, and sometimes agents approach clubs, or vice versa.
“Sometimes I’ll reach out to clubs, and sometimes they’ll contact me — especially when there’s mutual trust,” he said.
With the dust now settling, Mbule officially begins a new chapter with Orlando Pirates — and his agent is confident it was the right call, made at the right time.
