Doctor Khumalo Calls for Patience with Sipho Mbule

Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has urged patience with Sipho Mbule, who returned to the national team for World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Mbule was called up as a replacement for the injured Patrick Maswanganyi. Although previously named in Bafana’s preliminary squads twice, he had not played for the national team since 2021. He featured prominently in the 3-0 win over Lesotho and played nearly the entire match in the 1-1 draw against Nigeria.

Despite criticism from some supporters, Khumalo believes Mbule has the talent to succeed at both club and international level. “We need to give him time to settle. I was impressed with what he offered at Orlando Pirates, and if he can perform in front of 60 000 people at Orlando, I believe he can give us what we need as a country at AFCON in Morocco,” Khumalo said.

The former Kaizer Chiefs star added that Mbule is gifted and experienced. “I just hope whatever is distracting him can be cleared so he can focus. He is a very talented boy. I am his fan and would love to see him take his football to another level and help the national team achieve more,” he said.

Mbule now shifts focus to club football, as Orlando Pirates prepare to face Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 final at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday at 18:00.

Khumalo’s plea highlights the need for support and patience as Mbule seeks to establish himself again on the international stage.