Mamelodi Sundowns football club has been thrown into disarray after one of its star players, Bafana Bafana international Sipho Mbule who was heavily linked with Kaizer Chiefs before joining them allegedly turned up drunk to a training session.
The midfielder, who had a long history of misdemeanours at former club SuperSport United, was sent home from the training session two weeks ago, according to reliable sources who spoke to Daily South African News
Mbule's disappearance from the team sheet since Sundowns' 3-2 Nedbank Cup last-32 win against Richards Bay FC at Loftus Stadium on February 7 had sparked speculation that he was facing disciplinary issues. The midfielder was named man of the match in that game.
Last week, before Sundowns' departure for their 2-2 draw against Al Ahly in the Caf Champions League group stage, coach Rulani Mokwena was asked about Mbule's absence from the team's line-up in recent weeks. Mokwena responded by saying that Mbule was suspended for the next match and was not in contention.
Despite several attempts to reach Sundowns' media department and the player's agent, there has been no response from either party. The club's executive, legal and commercial Yogesh Singh, and Mbule's intermediary, Mike Makaab, have also not responded to messages.
Mbule's arrival under the influence of alcohol has raised questions about the player's professionalism and commitment to the team. It remains to be seen what action Sundowns will take in response to the incident.
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