Mbokazi nears move to MLS side Chicago Fire

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Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is close to completing a transfer to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, with the club expected to receive a fee in the region of $3 million should negotiations be finalised.

Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is on the verge of securing a move to Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire set to finalise terms for the highly rated 20-year-old.

The prospective deal, reported by Mark Gleeson, would see Pirates receive a transfer fee of just over R50 million, pending agreement between the two sides.

It’s confirmed that Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels, arrived in the United States on Friday to advance negotiations ahead of the January transfer window. The trip forms part of the final phase of discussions as Chicago Fire push to complete the signing.

Mbokazi has established himself as one of the standout young defenders in South African football since breaking into the Pirates first team last season. His emergence has been central both to the club’s recent domestic success and Bafana Bafana’s ongoing qualification campaigns for the Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This season, the Hluhluwe-born centre-back has already captained Pirates to the MTN8 title while making 18 appearances across competitions, contributing one goal and one assist. His performances have reinforced his status as one of the league’s most promising defensive talents. He remains in contention to secure a second major trophy in as many seasons, with Pirates set to face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month.

Should the move materialise, Mbokazi would become the latest South African player to join Major League Soccer. Three South Africans currently feature in the league: Bongokuhle Hlongwane at Minnesota United and the Philadelphia Union pair Olwethu Makhanya and head coach Bradley Carnell.

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Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images

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