Bucs Vice-Captain Mbokazi on Edge of Transfer to MLS Giants Chicago Fire
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insists he is “unaware” of Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s looming transfer — even as the 20-year-old Bafana Bafana defender edges closer to sealing a multi-million-rand move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
The highly rated centre-back travelled to the United States over the weekend for final negotiations, and multiple sources now describe the deal as “all but done”, with Pirates expected to bank around $3 million (±R51m) once the January window opens. The Fire have been pushing aggressively to secure the youngster before the Africa Cup of Nations, viewing him as a cornerstone of their long-term defensive rebuild.
Mbokazi’s conspicuous absence from Tuesday’s 2–0 victory over Chippa United added fuel to the speculation, but Ouaddou publicly maintained that the player remains part of his squad.
“I’m not aware of this news. For me, Mbokazi is still in my group,” Ouaddou told reporters.
“He’s one of the most important players, and as far as I know, he is still my player.”
Mbokazi’s Chicago Fire Move Nears Completion
Behind the scenes, however, talks are at an advanced stage, and both clubs are confident of completing the transfer shortly after AFCON. Chicago Fire are understood to prefer that Mbokazi does not feature in the Carling Knockout final on 6 December, further signalling that the switch is imminent.
Mbokazi has made 37 appearances for the Buccaneers since his promotion under former coach José Riveiro and has already collected five Bafana Bafana caps, starring in South Africa’s successful World Cup qualification campaign. His rise has made him one of the most valuable young defenders in the PSL, and this move is expected to be one of the league’s biggest outgoing transfers in recent seasons.