Sipho Mbule in action with SuperSport. Image: @Gonzosforever / Twitter Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates

Sipho Mbule in action with SuperSport. Image: @Gonzosforever / Twitter

REVEALED: Chiefs never tabled offer for Sundowns-bound Mbule

SuperSport United CEO Stan Matthews says there was never a bidding war between Chiefs and Sundowns over Sipho Mbule.

Sipho Mbule in action with SuperSport. Image: @Gonzosforever / Twitter Kaizer Chiefs Orlando Pirates

Sipho Mbule in action with SuperSport. Image: @Gonzosforever / Twitter

The saga surrounding midfielder Sipho Mbule at SuperSport recently took a new twist after he was suspended indefinitely by the club, but it has since been revealed that he was placed in a ‘special programme’ aimed at physical and mental wellbeing. It has now been sensationally confirmed that he will be heading to Sundowns, where it’s hoped that he will make a fresh start.

“We sat down with Sipho’s agent, Mike Makaab and we discussed what range of options are out there and what environment they felt he could give his best and be his best,” Matthews told PowerFM as per iDiskiTimes.

“When they came back and said they found a place in Sundowns, we did a deal and I was open and upfront for many months now, saying Sipho would most likely leave us at the end of the season.

“It never really got to a club bidding war or anything like that. It was really more dialogue between ourselves and Mike Makaab than anything else.

“No, I did not get any formal offer from Kaizer Chiefs. I did get enquiries, but at the time I did get enquiries it was July last year and Sipho wasn’t for sale. It was a different set of circumstances. I know the media would like to play it like ‘Chiefs lost out to Sundowns’ but it wasn’t like that.

“It’s absolute nonsense. I did speak to Kaizer Jr., I like him very much, we’re in contact often and he did enquire last July about Sipho Mbule. I took the enquiry to my board and my board decided Sipho wasn’t for sale.”

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SuperSport released the following statement on Mbule:

SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns have agreed terms for the permanent move of midfielder Sipho Mbule as of effect from 1 July 2022 for an undisclosed fee.

Mbule joined the club’s academy in the 2015/16 season from Virginia (Harmony) Sports Academy and played just under 100 games for Matsatsantsa.

The 24 -year-old played a crucial role in helping Matsatsantsa to lift the MTN 8 trophy twice in the 2017/18 and 2019/20 seasons and contributed immensely in SuperSport United’s historic CAF Confederation Cup journey, finishing as runners-up losing narrowly to DRCs TP Mazembe in 2017. Mbule’s magical long range strike in the first leg of the final was nominated for goal of the tournament.

Mbule was rewarded by his peers for his magnificent and consistent performances in the 2019/20 season and scooped the SuperSport United Players’ Player of the season in the club awards.

The Bethlehem born has represented South African in all youth levels (U17, U20, and U23) and also featured in the Bafana Bafana squad.

SuperSport United FC CEO Stan Matthews said: “We are sorry to be losing a gifted player like Sipho, especially at his age where his best is yet to come. We tried all avenues to turn things around with Sipho, but in recent months it became clear that his heart and mind is not at our club and that it was best for us to part ways. We wish Sipho every success in football and in life and hope to see the best of him in the future as he truly has special talent that can light up the PSL and Bafana Bafana.”

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Notably, Mbule has been working with a physical trainer and sports psychologist, while agent Mike Makaab also recently revealed what is being done to to get the player back into the best possible shape.

“I’m not 100% sure where we start but one thing I can tell you about those who are concerned about Sipho; we have him in a special programme – both with a sports psychologist and with a physical trainer.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that come pre-season, Sipho will be ready to fight for a place in his new team. He’s certainly not going to be sitting in the stands for two years.”

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