Sipho Mbule suspended for Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup clash as reports of ill-discipline in camp come to light

Sipho Mbule is suspended for Mamelodi Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup game. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Sipho Mbule is suspended for Mamelodi Sundowns’ Nedbank Cup game. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

Published Mar 2, 2023

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Durban - Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokoena has explained why controversial midfielder Sipho Mbule will not face Marumo Gallants in the Nedbank Cup on Thursday.

Mbule, who is the subject of a number of ill-discipline rumours, is currently suspended following after collecting four yellow cards in domestic competitions.

Mokwena would not shed much light on the disciplinary issues but revealed that Mbule will miss their clash with Marumo Gallants due to suspension and will be back for their next league outing.

“Yeah, unfortunately, Sipho is suspended for the next match,” he told the media

“So he’s not in contention. But we’ll stick to one game at a time and see how we can go with Sipho leading up to Stellenbosch.”

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The 25-year-old midfielder last turned out for the Brazilians in their Nedbank Cup last-32 victory over Richards Bay almost a month ago.

The gifted midfielder churned out a Man of the Match performance which made his absence from the matchday squad in three consecutive CAF Champions League matches a huge surprise.

It has now been reported that Mbule, along with Bafana Bafana international Andile Jali, has been involved in separate incidents of arriving at the club’s training facilities under the influence of alcohol.

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“There have been incidents of ill-discipline recently and this has the potential to disrupt the dressing room. Players behave in an unusual manner for different reasons but ill-discipline is something that is not tolerated at this level,” a source told Timeslive.

The 32-year-old Jali is in the final six months of his current contract with Sundowns and has been left disgruntled as the club has not offered clarity on his future with the club.

The Brazilians have exemplified extreme discipline and dominance for almost a decade now, their hunger for success and respect for the game has seen them break numerous individual and team records, writing their name is South African football history.

@SmisoScribe