South African star Sipho Mbule will have a new coach after the international break. His Iraqi club, Zakho SC, confirmed on Tuesday evening that they have parted ways with manager Talal Al-Balushi.

The decision comes just 13 matches into the 2026/27 Iraq Stars League season. Zakho have won only three of those games. Reports from Iraq say the results were not good enough, so the club decided to make a change.

In an official statement on Facebook, Zakho thanked Al-Balushi for his work. “On behalf of the management of Zakho Sports Club, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to coach Talal Al-Balushi for his contributions to the club during his time with us,” the club wrote. They wished him well for the future and said the club’s doors will always remain open to him.

Mbule joined Zakho in June this year on a one-year deal. The 28-year-old left Orlando Pirates at the end of last season after the club chose not to extend his contract. He had spent one season with the Buccaneers, making 23 appearances and helping them win a domestic treble. Before that, he played for Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United, and he has also represented Bafana Bafana.

Since arriving in Iraq, Mbule has been a regular in the Zakho midfield. He has shown his usual energy and technical ability, but the team’s results have not been consistent. The midfielder will now return from the international break to work under a new coach.

Iraqi media report that Zakho have already identified their preferred candidate. Current Al-Zawraa coach Bassem Qasim is said to be the top choice. Reports claim he has already received a salary offer higher than what he earns at his present club. Qasim has not yet accepted, and Zakho have given him until next week to decide.

For Mbule, the coaching change brings both uncertainty and a fresh chance. A new manager could offer him a different role or more responsibility as he tries to rebuild his career overseas. After a difficult end to his time in the Premiership, the move to Iraq was meant to be a new start. Now, with the international break almost over, he will soon find out what the next chapter looks like under a different coach.

The situation at Zakho remains fluid. Fans will be watching closely to see who takes charge and how Mbule adapts. One thing is clear: after just a few months abroad, the South African midfielder is already facing another big change at his new club.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2120239291188068497?a=a7Pl-f36yfhQXDcp_44&s=19