Bafana Legend Carnell Gives Mbokazi Blueprint for MLS Breakthrough
Philadelphia Union head coach Bradley Carnell has delivered a timely message to Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi as the midfielder prepares for his move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire after the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mbokazi, who has become one of the PSL’s standout performers, will link up with the Fire in 2026 — and Carnell believes the 23-year-old has everything needed to succeed in the United States, provided he approaches the challenge with maturity and humility.
Carnell, a former Kaizer Chiefs defender and Bafana Bafana international, has built a strong reputation in MLS, guiding Philadelphia to the Supporters’ Shield and a run to the Conference semi-finals this season. One of his key success stories has been Olwethu Makhanya, the ex-Stellenbosch FC defender whose impressive adaptation in MLS has caught the attention of scouts across North America.
Using Makhanya’s rise as an example, Carnell urged Mbokazi to stay grounded as he enters a new phase of his career.
“Mbokazi has the quality — that part is clear,” Carnell told FARPost. “But he has to match it with work ethic and the same hunger he’s shown in South Africa. A big transfer doesn’t mean you’ve arrived. He needs to stay humble and earn his teammates’ trust.”
Carnell knows Chicago Fire well, having faced them in the MLS playoffs, and believes the club’s approach under former US men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter will suit the Buccaneers captain’s strengths.
“They’re a very attack-minded side with good individual talent. Their style should fit Mbokazi’s qualities if he applies himself.”
But the biggest test, Carnell says, will be adjusting to life far away from home — a challenge that has derailed many promising African players in the past.
“Playing abroad comes with pressure: new culture, new expectations. Makhanya embraced that and stayed humble. Mbokazi will need to do the same — keep his head down and keep working.”
As Mbokazi prepares for AFCON and his final weeks in a Pirates shirt, the message from an MLS rival is clear: the move is only the beginning. The real proving ground awaits in Chicago.