Mbokazi’s American dream raises big Bafana questions

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Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s R52 million move to Chicago Fire has stunned SA football, a career-defining leap that could elevate or unsettle the Bafana star.

Mbokazi’s rise has been rapid, and now comes its biggest turning point. The 20-year-old Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender has completed a high-profile move to MLS side Chicago Fire, a transfer worth a reported $3 million and the largest sale in Pirates’ recent history.

But while the move offers global exposure, it has also sparked debate about whether leaving South Africa so early could unsettle one of the country’s brightest prospects.

Chicago Fire confirmed on Tuesday that Mbokazi will join the club under the MLS U-22 initiative, signing a long-term deal through 2029 with an option to extend. Crucially, he will remain with Pirates until the final fixture of 2025, allowing him to compete in domestic and continental competitions before crossing the Atlantic.

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Mbokazi’s ascent has been remarkable. After emerging from Langalibalele FC and breaking through under former Pirates coach José Riveiro, he has already made 37 appearances for the club and earned senior Bafana caps. His leadership qualities, often captaining Pirates alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi, and his performances at the COSAFA U-20 Cup and Africa U-20 Cup of Nations marked him as a future national-team regular.

Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter has labelled him a defender capable of “immediate impact”, highlighting his physicality, maturity and international pedigree. For Mbokazi, the MLS presents a stronger commercial platform, better facilities, and a chance to test himself against a fast-growing league with increasing global visibility.

But the move is not without risk. South African players have a mixed history abroad, and adaptation to a new country, travel demands, and MLS scheduling could disrupt the momentum he has built at Pirates and with Bafana. With the Africa Cup of Nations looming, consistency and familiarity matter, and there is concern that the switch could complicate his national-team pathway if his settling-in period proves challenging.

Still, for a player many consider one of SA football’s future pillars, this could be the step that accelerates his international profile. If Mbokazi adapts quickly, South Africa may soon have a defender performing, and developing, on the global stage.

Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images

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Dylan Johnson