Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi has agreed a move to Chicago Fire in the MLS.
The 20-year-old has penned a deal keeping him in the Windy City until 2029, with the MLS club having the option to extend the deal for the 2029/30 season.
“We are excited to welcome Mbekezeli to the Club as we further strengthen our back line,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter in a statement released on the club’s official website.
“In his young career, he has already shown high potential and proven himself to be a strong leader and competitor on the international level. We expect immediate impact and room to grow in future.”
Mbokazi broke into the Orlando Pirates first team at the back-end of the 2024/25 season, starting in the Nedbank Cup final. He earned his first international cap during the international break in a friendly against Mozambique and made three appearances in South Africa’s successful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The youngster was voted as vice-captain of the Buccaneers, by his teammates, at the start of the 2025/26 season and stepped into the captain’s role during Nkosinathi Sibisi’s injury, helping guide the squad to a fourth consecutive MTN8 title.
“Mbokazi’s growth has been nothing short of meteoric,” read a statement released on Pirates’ official website.
“In his debut year as a professional (5 March 2025), he has already lifted his first piece of silverware with the Mighty Buccaneers and, on the international front, earned a call-up to the senior national team. Such has been his impact that he is widely expected to be part of the squad heading to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.”
Mbokazi will remain at Pirates for the remainder of 2025 and is expected to appear in a Buccaneers jersey for the final time in the Carling Knockout final against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane this weekend.
