Sipho Mbule Expected to Stay Overseas as Agent Mike Makaab Praises His Progress at Zakho

Sipho Mbule looks set to continue his football career abroad beyond the end of his current contract with Iraqi club Zakho, according to his agent, Mike Makaab. The South African midfielder has enjoyed a fresh start since moving to Iraq, where his performances have attracted positive attention and demonstrated his value as a creative force in midfield. After spells with some of South Africa’s biggest clubs, Mbule appears to have found an environment where he can focus on his football and make the most of his abilities. His progress has encouraged hopes that he will continue playing outside South Africa next season, whether he remains at Zakho or secures a move to another club. Makaab’s latest comments suggest that returning to the Premier Soccer League is not the immediate priority, with the focus firmly on building on Mbule’s current form and maintaining his development overseas.

Mbule joined Zakho on a one-year contract and has established himself as an important member of the team. He has featured in all but one of the club’s league matches since making the move, demonstrating his growing importance to the side. Although his record of one goal and one assist may not fully reflect his influence, his overall contribution has helped him stand out among the club’s performers. His ability to carry the ball forward, retain possession under pressure and create opportunities for teammates has made him a valuable presence in midfield. These qualities have allowed him to contribute in several phases of the game rather than focusing solely on attacking duties. His consistent involvement also suggests that he has earned the confidence of the coaching staff and is adapting well to the demands of football in Iraq.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Mbule’s recent performances has been the improvement in his overall fitness and work rate. Makaab has highlighted how much ground the midfielder is covering, describing him as fitter than he has ever seen him. That improvement is important because modern midfielders are expected to contribute both with and without possession. They must support attacks, help recover the ball, close down opponents and maintain their intensity throughout a match. Mbule’s apparent progress in these areas has added another dimension to his game and made him a more complete midfielder. His ability to combine technical quality with greater physical involvement could prove important as he looks to secure his future beyond the current season.

Mbule’s long-range passing has also become a major strength during his time at Zakho. His ability to distribute the ball over longer distances can help a team switch play, exploit space and move quickly from defence into attack. When opponents press aggressively, a midfielder who can deliver accurate forward passes offers an effective way to bypass pressure and create attacking opportunities. Mbule’s composure on the ball allows him to make decisions without rushing unnecessarily, which can be especially useful in congested midfield areas. He has also been shooting more frequently from distance, adding another attacking option to his game. Combined with his ball-carrying ability, these qualities make him a versatile player who can influence matches in several ways.

His development into a more complete box-to-box midfielder could also improve his prospects of attracting interest from other clubs. A box-to-box role requires a player to contribute across the pitch, linking defensive and attacking phases while maintaining discipline and awareness. Mbule’s improved defensive contribution, alongside his creative passing and ability to carry the ball forward, suggests that his game is becoming more balanced. Rather than relying only on his technical ability, he is demonstrating the importance of movement, endurance and defensive responsibility. These improvements could make him attractive to teams looking for midfielders who can perform multiple roles. If he maintains this level of performance, he may strengthen his position when discussions about his next contract begin.

Makaab’s confidence in Mbule’s future is particularly significant because the midfielder has previously played for established South African clubs, including Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United. His career has included opportunities at high-profile teams where expectations are considerable and competition for places can be intense. Moving abroad has given him a different setting in which to rebuild momentum and focus on his performances. The change of environment appears to have benefited him, although his long-term success will depend on maintaining his current standards. For a player seeking to establish himself consistently, regular playing time and confidence can be just as important as the reputation of the club. His experience at Zakho could therefore become a turning point if he continues to perform well.

Speaking about the midfielder’s situation, Makaab made his position clear. “Mbule will stay overseas,” the agent said, expressing confidence that his client would continue his career outside South Africa. He also emphasised the player’s happiness and praised his performance in a recent match, in which Mbule was named man of the match. Makaab said he had watched him play and had never seen him fitter or cover so much ground. He also singled out the midfielder’s long-range passing as an area where his performance had reached another level. Most importantly, the agent stressed that Mbule is happy, suggesting that his well-being and satisfaction with his current circumstances are central to plans for his future.

The next challenge will be determining where Mbule plays after his one-year contract with Zakho expires at the end of the season. Remaining with the Iraqi club could offer continuity, especially if he continues to receive regular playing time and enjoys a positive relationship with the coaching staff. However, strong performances could also create opportunities elsewhere, including at other clubs in the Middle East or in Europe. A potential move would depend on several factors, including the level of interest, the terms offered and the sporting project available to him. Although Makaab expects Mbule to remain abroad, his comments do not confirm that a new contract with Zakho has been agreed or that another club has made a formal offer. For now, the priority appears to be helping the midfielder finish the season strongly and put himself in the best possible position for his next move.

Interest from European clubs would represent an important opportunity for Mbule, particularly given his ambition to continue testing himself outside South Africa. European football offers a wide range of competitive environments, although the opportunities available to an individual player depend on his performances, position, age and the needs of potential clubs. Consistency will therefore be crucial if Mbule hopes to attract attention from teams operating at a higher level or in more prominent leagues. His improved fitness, passing range and defensive work could strengthen his appeal, especially if he continues to produce influential performances in important matches. The Middle East could also remain a realistic destination, allowing him to build on his experience in Iraq while exploring other opportunities in the region. At this stage, however, a move to either destination remains a possibility rather than a confirmed development.

Mbule’s progress at Zakho offers an encouraging example of how a change of environment can help a footballer regain confidence and improve important areas of his game. His regular involvement, growing influence in midfield and improved physical condition have given him a stronger platform from which to plan the next stage of his career. Mike Makaab’s comments indicate that staying overseas is the preferred direction, with the possibility of remaining at Zakho or joining another club after the current season. While no final destination has been confirmed, the midfielder’s performances could help create more options if he maintains his current momentum. For Mbule, the immediate task is to keep delivering on the pitch and demonstrate that his recent improvement can be sustained. If he succeeds, his time in Iraq could become an important step towards securing a long-term future abroad and pursuing further opportunities in international club football.