Mbokazi’s American Dream Begins as Pirates Approve MLS Transfer
Orlando Pirates have reached an agreement with Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire for highly-rated defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who touched down in the United States this week to iron out final details of his switch.
Speculation intensified after the 20-year-old was spotted making a discreet exit through OR Tambo International Airport, with insiders suggesting he was travelling to complete formal negotiations. Interest in the young centre-back has been bubbling since last season, when former Pirates coach José Riveiro thrust him into the spotlight. Mbokazi seized the moment, transforming from a promising reserve-team player into a consistent first-team standout and attracting significant overseas attention.
Chicago Fire have now emerged as the successful bidders, tabling an offer in the region of R51–R52 million — roughly US$3 million — ahead of the January transfer window. Football analyst Mark Gleeson reiterated the news on his X account, describing the move as a major step in Mbokazi’s meteoric rise.
Mbokazi is expected to officially join Chicago Fire shortly after the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he is widely predicted to receive a Bafana Bafana call-up from coach Hugo Broos. Until then, he remains available for Pirates’ final domestic commitments, including the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants on 6 December at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
A Growing Trend: SA Talent Heads Stateside
If the transfer is finalised, Mbokazi will follow a growing list of young South Africans thriving in the MLS, including:
Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United)
Njabulo Blom, formerly at St. Louis City
He would also become the latest significant export from the Pirates development system after winger Mohau Nkota secured a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq earlier this year.
Mbokazi’s Journey: From Soweto’s Rising Talent to MLS Prospect
Since making his senior debut in 2023, Mbokazi has shown exceptional composure, aerial strength, and leadership. His rapid growth earned him five Bafana Bafana caps in 2024, including World Cup qualifiers, placing him firmly on the radar of international scouts. Chicago Fire view him as a potential cornerstone in their defensive rebuild for the 2026 MLS season after finishing mid-table and conceding more than 50 goals in 2025.
The club — historically linked with African recruits — is undergoing a strategic refresh under coach Frank Klopas and owner Joe Mansueto. Mbokazi’s versatility at centre-back and right-back makes him an ideal fit for their long-term defensive project.
A Big Financial Boost for Pirates
For Orlando Pirates, the anticipated R52 million windfall represents one of the biggest outgoing transfers in recent PSL history. The club has invested significantly in its development structures, and Mbokazi’s sale reinforces their reputation for producing elite-level talent. The funds are expected to support squad reinforcement as Pirates continue chasing domestic and continental success.
If finalised, Mbokazi’s move will rank among the most notable transfers involving a South African defender abroad, underscoring MLS’s growing interest in African prospects and the rising global stock of local footballers.