Eric Tinkler Criticises Sipho Mbule’s Current Form at Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule has faced sharp criticism from Eric Tinkler, the coach who handed him his professional debut eight years ago.
Tinkler was in charge at SuperSport United when a teenage Mbule made his senior debut in the CAF Confederation Cup against ZESCO United in September 2017. The two crossed paths again briefly last season at Sekhukhune United, where Mbule featured in only four matches before parting ways with the club.
Speaking at the launch of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, Tinkler reflected on Mbule’s performance in Pirates’ 2-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Polokwane City last weekend.
“Sipho is a talent,” Tinkler said. “He does a few little technical things that made it all happen. But the contribution overall is what you have to ask. Can he be contributing more than what he does? Yes. I don’t think he is contributing half of what his potential is. I’m being harsh, but he is not my player anymore.”
Mbule, now 27, played 70 minutes in that match before being replaced by debutant Abdoulaye Mariko. Pirates will be aiming to get him back to the form he showed consistently at SuperSport United and in spells at Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United.
With the new season underway, the Buccaneers will hope Mbule can deliver the level of influence his natural ability promises.
