A Rising Star in Bafana Bafana’s Midfield
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his admiration for midfielder Sipho Mbule, highlighting the player’s increasing impact within the national team setup. Broos also shared how a straightforward half-time message led to Mbule’s impressive second-half performance during the recent match against Zimbabwe.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night, ended in a goalless draw — a result that dealt a blow to Bafana’s chances of advancing. Although the Warriors were designated as the away team, they hosted the game in Durban due to the lack of FIFA-accredited stadiums in Zimbabwe.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Broos found encouragement in Mbule’s performance. The Orlando Pirates midfielder, affectionately known as “MasterChef,” has gradually re-established himself in the national team after missing several squads earlier this year. His return came during the September international break following Patrick Maswanganyi’s injury withdrawal, and Mbule seized the opportunity by starting both qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria, playing 74 and 84 minutes respectively.
Broos praised Mbule’s growth and maturity since returning to the national team. He said:
“I think Sipho played a very good game. I told him at half-time that he needed to be more involved in the game. You saw in the second half when he was on the ball, and many times when he was on the field, something good came out of it. So, again, I think after the last games against Lesotho and Nigeria, and now with the game (Friday), we can be very happy with Sipho’s performance.”
Mbule’s ability to control the flow of play and connect with forwards Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis provided Bafana with much-needed balance in the attacking third. His composure under pressure and sharp passing were key to the hosts’ creative moments, even as Zimbabwe’s deep defensive setup disrupted their rhythm.
For Broos, identifying the perfect No. 10 remains one of the team’s ongoing challenges. However, Mbule’s recent consistency could be shifting the focus toward him as a potential solution. His vision and control in tight spaces have drawn comparisons to the likes of Themba Zwane, who has long been considered the standard for creativity in Bafana’s midfield.
“Players like Sipho are very important because they make the link between midfield and attack,” Broos noted in a previous presser. “We have to build confidence around players like him who can make a difference with one touch or one pass.”
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Match Against Rwanda
Attention now shifts to Tuesday’s decisive clash against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. A victory is essential for Bafana to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive — and much will depend on Mbule’s ability to take charge from midfield.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Mbule’s performance was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating game.
- His ability to create opportunities and maintain possession was crucial.
- Broos sees potential in Mbule as a key figure in the team’s future.
- The upcoming match against Rwanda will be pivotal for Bafana’s World Cup aspirations.