Mbokazi’s US move confirmed

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, will join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire.

The 20-year-old Pirates vice captain has secured a lucrative January transfer to the United States of America, reportedly valued at $3 million, following a steady rise since joining the Buccaneers.

“Chicago Fire FC today announced that the Club has acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates of South Africa’s Betway Premiership,” the MLS side said in a statement.

“Mbokazi will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position, and his contract will run through 2029, with a Club option for the 2029/30 season. Per Club and MLS Policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.”

Mbokazi, joined the Pirates reserve team in 2023 while playing for Langalibalele Sports Academy in the Engen U19 Knockout Tournament, and made his professional debut in the final stretch of last season under then-coach, Jose Riveiro.

The defender previously won the U20 COSAFA Cup, which qualified South Africa for the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. He has since progressed to the senior national team under head coach Hugo Broos, earning five caps.

He also won the 2025/26 MTN 8 Cup with the Pirates, defending their title with a 3-0 win against Stellenbosch.

𝐌𝐛𝐨𝐤𝐚𝐳𝐢 𝐭𝐨 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 @ChicagoFire

💻 Full Details: https://t.co/X6csES4mwk

⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/cfPBQwOQGK

— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 2, 2025

Welcome to Chicago, TLB! 👋🇿🇦

We have acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates of South Africa’s Betway Premiership. #cf97 pic.twitter.com/ZXPd1SwlWo

— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) December 2, 2025

Some South Africans have congratulated Mbokazi on the move.

Day 1 Mbokazi in USA 🇺🇸 when they give him Spaghetti 🍝 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/K1OmHYzHRX

— ChrisExcel (@ChrisExcel102) December 2, 2025

Let’s wish Mbekezeli Mbokazi all the best, buccaneers. The boy has certainly made his mark in the club in short period of time. ☠️☠️☠️ pic.twitter.com/pHzAD1trdl

— STAR. (@makwande_m) December 2, 2025

Make your family and yourself proud. Go test yourself out there, keep developing.

Leave those one’s there at Orlando Pirates with their polo’s and suzuki’s and go get yourself RS3.#OnceAlways
Young man with a big future,Mbekezeli Mbokazi💪💪 pic.twitter.com/fVZRFlGwKg

— South Ahh (@Pole1803) December 2, 2025

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari