Players AbroadSouth African football fans will not have to wait much longer to see Sipho Mbule in competitive action for his new club, Zakho SC, after the start date of the 2026/27 Iraq Stars League season was confirmed. Many South Africans are yet to get a proper look at Mbule in Zakho colours, although he has already featured for the club during their pre-season camp in Turkey. Their pre-season preparations are almost complete, with Shafaq News Agency reporting that the 2026/27 Iraq Stars League season will begin on Friday, 14 August. Although the Matchday 1 fixtures are expected to be confirmed imminently, Zakho have failed to win their opening league match in each of the last four seasons. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sipho Mbule (@the_real_master_chef_)READ| Chicago coach: We had luxury when Mbokazi was availableBy Lukhanyo MtutaFollow him here on XRelated tags