After days of swirling rumours and heated WhatsApp debates among South African football fans, Chicago Fire have finally confirmed what many suspected. Mbekezeli Mbokazi, one of Orlando Pirates’ brightest young defenders, is officially heading to Major League Soccer.
The 20-year-old joins the American club in a move that comes at a dramatic time for the Buccaneers, who are preparing for Saturday’s Carling Knockout final in Polokwane. The timing of the announcement, just after national coach Hugo Broos named his AFCON squad, has added even more weight to an already eventful week for South African football.
A Rising Star Heads Abroad
Mbokazi becomes the second youngest Pirates talent to leave the Soweto giants after Mohau Nkota’s earlier move abroad. Despite missing a recent league clash with Chippa United, the defender returned to action against Durban City even as speculation around his future intensified.
He leaves with Pirates sitting at the top of the PSL table and having already secured the 2025 MTN8 title, where they comfortably defeated Stellenbosch 3-0.
For many fans, his exit feels like the end of an era of fast-rising academy gems quickly making their way into the first team before catching global attention.
Chicago Fire Confirm The Deal
In a detailed club statement, Chicago Fire announced that Mbokazi will occupy a U22 initiative slot and an international roster position. His contract runs through 2029, with a club option for the 2029/30 season.
The MLS side highlighted his experience, noting more than 35 professional matches in the Premiership, CAF Champions League, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and Carling Knockout.
At national level, Mbokazi has already represented South Africa at U20 and senior level. He made his Bafana debut in May 2025 during a 2-0 win over Mozambique and later featured in World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter had high praise for the youngster, saying they expect immediate impact and believe he has the leadership qualities and maturity to grow even further.
Mbokazi Gets A New Jersey Number
While Mbokazi wore the number 14 shirt at both Pirates and Bafana Bafana, the Chicago move comes with a fresh start. He will now don jersey number 4 for his new club.
For supporters, the change has already sparked social media chatter, with memes, throwback clips, and speculation about whether the number switch signals a positional evolution in MLS.
A Transfer That Arrives At A Crucial Moment
The announcement came barely 24 hours after Coach Hugo Broos confirmed Mbokazi as part of his AFCON 2025 squad. South Africa will compete in Group B against Zimbabwe, Angola, and tournament favourites Egypt.
With Pirates preparing for the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants on December 6, fans are now asking one question: Will Mbokazi feature one last time before boarding his American flight?
The Buccaneers are chasing a cup double, and his presence could be vital. But with his future now sealed, the club will have to balance sentimental value with player risk and contract obligations.
A New Chapter Begins
For Mbokazi, this is the start of a massive international journey. For Pirates, it’s a bittersweet goodbye. And for Bafana Bafana, it is another young talent gaining global exposure at exactly the right time.
What remains to be seen is whether the Soweto star gets one last run in black and white this weekend. Either way, Chicago Fire have secured a player whose ceiling keeps rising, and South African football has gained yet another ambassador on the global stage.
Source: Goal ZA
Featured Image Source: Lorenz Kohler on X
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