Agent reveals why Mbokazi’s $2.7m MLS deal beat European offers

The agent representing South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has detailed the complex, drawn-out negotiations that led to his client’s massive move from Orlando Pirates to MLS side Chicago Fire, confirming that discussions began much earlier than anticipated.

Following the joint announcement that the highly-rated Bafana Bafana centre-back will head to the United States early next year, agent Basia Michaels offered an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of the R51-million (approximately $2.7 million USD) deal.

Speaking on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, Michaels revealed that the transaction was far from straightforward, but the desire to complete it was mutual from the start.

“This is something that has been in the works for a while, even before our transfer window closed – the 21st of September,” Michaels explained. “It was definitely not a transaction that could have happened that time; I think there was still so much to get through. This was by no means an easy deal. I remember thinking I might not get this done.”

She was quick to credit the Orlando Pirates leadership for their professionalism and cooperation. “Credit to Mpumi Khoza, he said I can’t fault this kid; he gave his all here, and I won’t stand in his way. It was not one of those where you say here’s a deal and they say no, we are not entertaining deals.”

The European Barrier For Mbokazi

Michaels also addressed the prevailing question of why the Pirates and Mbokazi chose the MLS over waiting for a potential European offer, hinting at a frustrating reality concerning African player valuation.

“I get it. But once again, I will go back to that point to say I don’t think there’s one way of handling this,” she stated. “I will give an example; I had a scout from Europe who offered me €150 000 for Mbokazi, and the €150 000 was the end of our conversation.”

She highlighted a pattern she has observed in the market. “I unfortunately had the same interaction when I was dealing with Khanyisa—this from Europeans saying that they can’t pay more for an African player. I got a lot of inquiries from other agents telling me that they want my player, and I should just sign. I was like hold on, I can’t just sign.”

MLS and the National Team Question

The agent was also candid when asked about the player’s potential risk to his national team career, given Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’s known reservations about the MLS as a destination for his players.

“We had this chat even before we signed with Mbokazi,” Michaels confirmed. “I respect coach Hugo’s opinion. In my mother’s house she makes it very clear that she who pays the piper plays the tune. That is exactly who coach Hugo Broos is – he plays the tune, so we can’t be against that.”

Despite the concern, she expressed hope for a fair assessment. “I would be saddened if he excludes Mbokazi because he plays in MLS, I cannot control that and I can’t run away from that.”

Michaels concluded by urging the South African football community to embrace the landmark transfer with positivity.