Cavin Johnson explains why Sipho Mbule wasn't on his Kaizer Chiefs Radar

Mbule, who has now joined Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2025/26 season, has long been praised for his natural talent but equally scrutinised for off-field issues that have hampered his consistency.

Johnson, who led Chiefs in a caretaker capacity during the 2023/24 campaign, said Mbule's reputation back then would have raised red flags.

"When I was at Chiefs, there weren't good reports about what Mbule was doing, so I wouldn't have done it back then," Johnson told KickOff.

"He is a good player, but he needs to stay out of trouble, have a strong pre-season, stay off social media, and focus on his game."

Johnson pointed out that, during his tenure, Amakhosi already had a host of creative midfielders such as Mduduzi Mdantsane, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mduduzi Shabalala, Lehlogonolo Matlou, and the emerging Mfundo Vilakazi - making the need for a player like Mbule less urgent.

However, the veteran coach has not ruled out a revival for the former Mamelodi Sundowns star, now backed by Pirates.

"Now that he has changed his mindset and Pirates have given him an opportunity, I wish him the best," he said.

Looking ahead to the new Betway Premiership season, Johnson believes the title race will come down to how quickly teams like Chiefs and Pirates can gel under new leadership, while champions Mamelodi Sundowns remain steady.

"Chiefs and Pirates have made big changes, new coaches, new players - it's all about how they settle. Sundowns haven't changed much, so they'll start stronger. But anything can happen once the games begin," Johnson concluded.