Mbokazi In The USA For Chicago Fire Move
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has flown out of the country to sign with MLS side Chicago Fire, according to legendary journalist and commentator Mark Gleeson.
Sportswire learned on Friday that Mbokazi had travelled abroad and that there was interest from Europe, but it has now been confirmed that his destination is the United States.
Gleeson, one of the most respected journalists and commentators in world football, reported that if negotiations are successful, Chicago Fire are prepared to pay a transfer fee of around US$3 million (approximately R52.14 million at today’s exchange rate) to prise him away from Pirates.
Mbokazi has been outstanding since making his PSL debut in March under coach Jose Riveiro and has emerged as one of Pirates’ most consistent performers this season. He was named the club’s vice-captain during the off-season and has captained the side whenever Nkosinathi Sibisi has been unavailable.
His rise has also extended to the national team. Mbokazi has cemented his place as a Bafana Bafana starter, with coach Hugo Broos praising his rapid improvement, saying he had “never seen anything like it before.”
Mbokazi played a crucial role in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although he missed the decisive match against Rwanda due to suspension after being sent off against Zimbabwe in Durban.
With Bafana set to compete at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January, Mbokazi is expected to play a vital role. The national team will then shift focus to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in June next year.
If Mbokazi impresses during his trial, he could be based in the United States by the time the World Cup kicks off—potentially playing club football in the same country where he will represent Bafana Bafana.
Chicago Fire are coached by former USA national team boss Gregg Berhalter, who guided the Americans to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated 3–1 by the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
Picture courtesy of Lonwabo Shots
