Ouaddou: Mbokazi’s Chicago Fire Move Is Not A Loss
Orlando Pirates coach Abdelsam Ouaddou says he does not view the departure of Mbekezeli Mbokazi as a major loss for the club, but rather as a natural part of the player’s growth and career progression.
Ouaddou used his own career as an example, recalling how he spent a few seasons at AS Nancy in France before attracting interest from English Premier League side Fulham.
Mbokazi played his final match for Pirates as they clinched the Carling Knockout trophy against Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
TLB, as Mbokazi is known, will join MLS side Chicago Fire, who have reportedly paid R51 million for the KwaZulu-Natal-born defender.
It marks a remarkable rise for Mbokazi, who only made his PSL debut in March last season against Chippa United. He leaves Pirates having played just 40 matches, scoring two goals and providing two assists, and he is now an established Bafana Bafana international.
“I cannot say it is a loss because we have to think about the evolution of the players,” said Ouaddou.
“Of course, Orlando Pirates is one of the biggest clubs in Africa, and every coach wants to keep their best players to compete for titles.
“But this is the life of football; it is part of the ecosystem. I was in his position when I was 22 years old at AS Nancy, my former club. I was developed there for four years, then played two years in the top division, and I had the opportunity to move to the Premier League and join Fulham.
“It is an evolution. I just want to wish him good luck, all the best. I told him before the game, ‘You need to put the team in first place on the log and win the trophy, and nobody will speak badly about you because you did your job.’
“And he did his job. I cannot say anything more. This is a normal progression for football players.
“He is going to the US, and we hope he continues to improve. He must never stop evolving and should never forget Orlando Pirates or the national team.
“It’s not because he is going to the US that he should stop making an effort. Think about Orlando Pirates, think about the national team—very important.”
Mbokazi will only join Gregg Berhalter’s side in the United States after the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will take place in Ouaddou’s home country, Morocco, from 21 December to 18 January 2026.
