Retired Bafana Bafana midfielder Jabu Mahlangu has opened up on a conversation with newly signed Orlando Pirates midfielder Sipho Mbule following reports of ill-discipline.
The Soweto giants made easy work of Rise And Shine with a 2-0 slapping in front of a sold-out Orlando Stadium thanks to goals from debutant Oswin Appollis and Patrick Maswangwanyi.
On the day, six players made their competitive debuts for Pirates and among them was Mbule.
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The 27-year-old was the Buccaneers' first signing of the window and was roped in as a free agent after parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
For all his qualities, Mbule has been followed by controversy, with reports of off-field ill-discipline and allegations of alcohol abuse.
A man all too familiar with those links is Mahlangu, whose brief career with both Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates was riddled with off-field scandals and has publicly admitted to having battled alcoholism and substance abuse during his playing days.
Mahlangu, who was serving as analyst for Saturday's match, revealed that he had reached out to Mbule before the midfielder's move to Pirates.
"All these players are quality players and they will add quality to Orlando Pirates, but Mbule, because of what he has gone through personally, I think this is a time for him to revive himself," Mahlangu said on SABC Sport.
"I actually spoke with him on the phone. I spoke to Sipho on the phone before his move. I didn't know he was going to Pirates.
"We spoke privately. I was just giving him words of encouragement because people were starting to bash him.
"I've also been in that situation in my playing career. So I spoke to him and encouraged him, nothing else. Just to give him positive energy.
"That was my call. I was not judging him at all, like the way people judged him all over social media.
"I spoke to him as a big brother who comes from the same thing as being good at football, but having a lifestyle that disrupts your career. I have been there. I'm not God, but I think those words of wisdom will help him a lot."
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Mbule will be aiming to continue his good start to the season and at his new club when Pirates take on Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.
The match will be played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Photo: Gallo Images/ Daniel Hlongwane
