Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has come out in support of Sipho Mbule, after the midfielder was left out of the preliminary Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA World Cup. Mbule played a crucial role in helping Bafana qualify for the tournament, and was also part of the squad at the last AFCON competition.
However, his limited game time at Orlando Pirates in 2026, with only a handful of appearances for the Buccaneers, ultimately cost him a place in the national team setup. There have also been reports of off-field issues, including alleged alcohol-related problems, which may have contributed to his omission.
Support for Sipho Mbule
When the preliminary squad was announced, Mbule’s omission quickly became a talking point among supporters. On Friday, McKenzie took to social media to publicly back the Pirates midfielder, saying “A king that gave us so much, this is your moment to cook part two of your greatness. Your best years are ahead of you in football. Let the fools laugh at you, you have given us so so much Champ.”
McKenzie’s comments have sparked a mixed reaction from football fans. The minister’s show of support is a significant boost for Mbule, who will be looking to regain his place in the national team setup.
