Chicago Fire announce signing of Bafana star Mbokazi from Pirates

Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire FC has officially secured the services of highly-rated South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, completing his transfer from Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates.

The move marks a significant coup for the MLS club and represents a record outgoing transfer for the Buccaneers. The 20-year-old centre-back has signed a long-term deal that extends through 2029, with the Fire holding a club option for the 2029/30 season.

While neither club disclosed the official terms, the deal is reportedly valued at $3 million.

Mbokazi, who will occupy an Under-22 Initiative slot and an international roster position at his new club in the USA, has enjoyed a meteoric rise since earning his breakthrough from Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge side under former head coach Jose Rivieiro. Despite his youth, the defender has already displayed strong leadership qualities, occasionally captaining the Pirates first team this season.

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

Chicago Fire FC Leader Berhalter On Mbokazi Signing

Chicago Fire Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition. “We are excited to welcome Mbekezeli to the Club as we further strengthen our back line,” he said.

“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.”

The transfer underscores Mbokazi’s status as one of Africa’s most promising talents. He has already cemented his place in the senior national team, earning five caps for Bafana Bafana under coach Hugo Broos, following a successful youth career that included a COSAFA Cup victory and subsequent qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations.

At the club level, the young defender has been a key figure, accumulating over 35 appearances, including valuable experience in the CAF Champions League. His trophy cabinet includes the 2025/26 MTN 8 Cup, which Pirates successfully defended with a dominant 3-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC earlier this season.

Internationally, Mbokazi has quickly become a cornerstone for the senior national team, playing a role in Bafana Bafana’s successful qualification campaigns for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2025 AFCON. Having debuted in May 2025 with a 2-0 win against Mozambique, he is already named in the Bafana squad heading to Morocco for the AFCON tournament later this year.