Chicago Fire Confirm Signing of Orlando Pirates Defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in Landmark Deal
Chicago Fire FC have officially completed the signing of highly rated Orlando Pirates centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, bringing an end to weeks of escalating speculation surrounding one of South Africa’s most sought-after young defenders. Both clubs confirmed the transfer on Tuesday, sealing a move long described as “imminent” after the 20-year-old flew to the United States last month for final medicals.
Mbokazi signs a contract running through 2029, with an option for 2030, and will occupy a U22 Initiative roster slot. While neither club disclosed the fee, earlier reports indicated that Pirates accepted an offer in the region of R50–R52 million (US$3 million) — one of the largest outgoing transfers in modern South African football.
A Rapid Rise From Hluhluwe to MLS
The KwaZulu-Natal-born defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise since breaking into the Pirates first team in 2023. He made 38 appearances, scoring two goals and providing two assists, while also featuring in the CAF Champions League. Former coach José Riveiro had initially promoted Mbokazi after identifying his maturity, aerial presence and leadership — qualities that later saw him appointed vice-captain despite his age.
Mbokazi briefly returned to Johannesburg after completing preliminaries in Chicago so he could turn out for Pirates in their league win over Durban City last Saturday, and even trained with the squad again on Tuesday. It remains unclear whether he will feature in the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants this weekend, with MLS clubs typically preferring to protect their new acquisitions from injury before reporting for duty.
Bafana Bafana Breakthrough and World Cup Qualification
Internationally, Mbokazi has already earned five caps, becoming a key figure in South Africa’s defence during the final rounds of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His performances helped Bafana Bafana secure a historic return to the global showpiece for the first time since hosting the 2010 tournament.
He was officially named in Hugo Broos’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad on Monday and is expected to join Chicago Fire once his continental duties are completed in Morocco.
Chicago Fire: “A Leader With Immediate Impact”
Chicago Fire director of football and head coach Gregg Berhalter hailed the signing as a major step in the club’s squad build-out ahead of the 2026 MLS season.
“We are excited to welcome Mbekezeli to the club as we further strengthen our back line,” Berhalter said.
“In his young career, he has already shown high potential and proven himself to be a strong leader and competitor on the international level. We expect immediate impact and room to grow in the future.”
Mbokazi becomes Chicago Fire’s second major winter arrival, following Swedish international Anton Salétros, while the club also converted André Franco’s loan from FC Porto into a permanent deal as they aim to build on their 2025 playoff return.
A Growing South African Presence in MLS
Mbokazi now joins a wave of South African talent flourishing in the United States, including:
Bongokuhle Hlongwane – Minnesota United
Olwethu Makhanya – Philadelphia Union
He is expected to link up with Chicago Fire for preseason in early 2026, with the club confident he will quickly acclimatise to MLS’ fast, physical style.