Mamelodi Sundown co-coach Rulani Mokwena said they will give new signing Sipho Mbule all the support he needs to have a successful career at the Brazilians.
During the current transfer window, the 24-year-old central midfielder joined Sundowns from SuperSport United after off-field disciplinary issues stopped the club from using him.
Sundowns have a strong midfield setup and Mbule will need to fight for his place in the starting lineup with the likes of – Haashim Domingo, Gift Motupa, Themba Zwane, Gastón Sirino, Teboho Mokoena and Sphelele Mkhulise.
Coach Mokwena explained the reason for bringing in Mbule when they have a squad packed with talented midfielders.
“It is not rocket science that he is a young football player with extreme experience at youth international level,” Mokwena told media.
“He has huge experience with SuperSport United in the Champions League and Confederation Cup. His age gives you possibilities because when you look at the age in relation to the talent you get a clear understanding of the potential the player possesses.
“That he became available in the market propelled us to look into the possibilities of the qualities he possesses. He is already an upgrade from a profile perspective because of his ball-carrying abilities, his abilities to create chances.”
Mokwena was full of praise about Mbule’s creative abilities plus revealed that it had not been plain sailing to sign the player.
“He creates on average almost two chances per game, he has almost two shots on average per 90 minutes — these are qualities we felt we needed, in particular on the African continent,” said Mokwena.
“It was not an easy deal to conclude, it was extremely complicated but a lot of credit must go to the management for pulling it off because of its complexity. We are just happy he chose to come to us.
“Hopefully we can try to channel his career back on track and try to make him a better footballer — moreover, make him a better human being. We have already been putting plans in place that we have for him within the tactical and technical context of how we see him being integrated into the team.
“We are clear and we understand that from his perspective and our perspective there is a lot to be done to see him fully fit so he can see his full potential on the pitch.
“We are prepared and he is prepared and we will give him all the support he needs to be able to make this move work. We are quietly confident that this it is the right move.
“When we looked at the average age in the midfield we did feel that there was a need for one or two [younger] additions in that position,” Mokwena added.
