WATCH: Mbokazi Finally Joins Chicago Fire Ahead Of MLS season

Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has finally arrived in the United States to begin his new chapter with Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.

Mbokazi was signed by the Fire from Orlando Pirates in a deal worth more than R50 million in December last year. However, his move was delayed as he was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that exited the Africa Cup of Nations in the round of 16 after a defeat to Cameroon.

Known as TLB, the steely defender was granted time off following his national team duties and has now joined his new club, who are currently in pre-season.

Mbokazi leaves Pirates after an impressive first half of the 2025/26 season, during which he helped the Buccaneers secure both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup titles with the national side.

His final appearance came in the Carling Knockout Cup final, where Pirates defeated Marumo Gallants at Peter Mokaba Stadium early last month.

The 20-year-old departs having made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and registering two assists.

Meanwhile, Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter believes Mbokazi has arrived at the right place at the right time to develop into a top-class defender. Berhalter said regular match-ups against world-class players such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga will accelerate his development.

“He’s comfortable on the ball and dynamic in tackles,” Berhalter told MIR97 Media.
“He’s aggressive in the air, even though he’s not the tallest, and he covers space behind him well. For a 20-year-old, he has a lot of potential.

“I believe that playing against players like Messi, Son and Bouanga — the level of quality we have in this league — prepares you for any league in the world.

“We have a very clear style of play. Defenders see a lot of the ball and are asked to do difficult things. I’m confident that this environment will help develop him and prepare him for the World Cup.”