Mbule Excited for Bafana Return – Sportswire
Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has shared his excitement about being recalled to the Bafana Bafana national team, expressing gratitude for rejoining the squad.
The 27-year-old makes his return to the national team after a three-year hiatus, with his previous appearance occurring in 2021 under coach Hugo Broos.
Mbule’s path to success has not come without hurdles, as he faced challenges in securing playtime at Mamelodi Sundowns, resulting in his exit from the club at the conclusion of the last season.
However, since his arrival at Pirates this season, Mbule appears to have regained his form, participating in seven matches for the Buccaneers and aiding the team to reach the MTN8 Cup final.
His standout performances drew the attention of Broos, who included him in the preliminary squad, though he missed the final 23-man team. This week, however, fortune smiled on Mbule as he was called up to fill in for the injured Patrick Maswanganyi.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the national team,” Mbule conveyed to the Pirates’ media team.
“As you all know, it’s been a while since I donned the national colors. I’m grateful to have earned my way back into the national squad; now I must work hard to stay here.”
Mbule’s desire for success is clear: “These two games are crucial for our country. We aim to win both and secure a spot in the World Cup.”
Bafana Bafana is set to compete against Lesotho on Friday and Nigeria on Tuesday during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Mbule hopes to either start or come off the bench.
With vice captain Themba Zwane sidelined due to injury, Mbule and Mduduzi Shabalala emerge as key contenders for Zwane’s role, although Relebohile Mofokeng is also an option.
Mbule’s previous experience alongside Teboho Mokoena in the midfield could prove advantageous, as both have played together at SuperSport United, Sundowns, and across different youth national teams.
