A few Orlando Pirates players will be smiling after this. Former SuperSport United sensation Masibusane Zongo has revealed he is a Buccaneer at heart.
Zongo’s career is always remembered as one of the biggest “what ifs” in South African football.
The Mthatha-born midfielder had dazzling ball-ability and elegance that drew comparisons to the very best. But off-field issues and ill-discipline meant he never reached the heights many expected, despite spells at SuperSport United, Bidvest Wits, Platinum Stars and Chippa United.
MASIBUSANE ZONGO ENJOYS WATCHING THESE ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS
Now retired, Zongo still keeps a close eye on the local game. Speaking on Apex Sports International’s YouTube channel, the 35-year-old revealed that his soft spot belongs to the Sea Robbers, and he couldn’t hide his excitement about their transfer activity this season.
“I am happy that they brought the former TS Galaxy player Kamogelo Sebelebele. And [Tshepang] Moremi from AmaZulu and Sipho Mbule,” Zongo said.
Also read: Transfer window closed – Here’s Orlando Pirates’ 36-man squad
Pressed further, Zongo had no doubts about who tops the list: “My best signing at Orlando Pirates this season would be Sipho Mbule. Yho, ‘Sphola,’ when he plays football.
As someone whose own career was derailed by off-field distractions, Zongo offered Mbule some personal advice. He noted that the Bafana Bafana midfielder has already seen the mistakes of players before him and must learn from them. “He knows and it is all up to him,” Zongo explained. His biggest message to Mbule? Enjoy and express yourself on the field.
Zongo also couldn’t resist praising the new generation coming through at the Orlando Stadium. He called Relebohile Mofokeng “an unbelievable talent” and urged him, Oswin Appollis, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi to move abroad as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Moremi and Appollis lead the pack when we count the number of balls crossing the goal line. Moremi has turned himself into a gem, bagging three goals and two assists in just nine games. Appollis has been just as influential, chipping in with two goals and four assists from 10 outings.
Sebelebele has also made his mark, striking three times in nine games, proving he’s more than just a squad option.
Mbule, meanwhile, hasn’t found the net or laid on an assist in his first eight appearances, but his flair and vision are the kind of qualities we can’t see on a stat sheet.