Pirates coach breaks silence on Mbokazi’s USA transfer reports

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has addressed the scorching transfer rumours linking star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi with a big move abroad in the USA.

The Pirates boss faced the media after the Buccaneers bagged a vital 2-0 Betway Premiership win against Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

Second-half goals from substitutes Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis sealed the maximum points, levelling Pirates with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 25 points. (Sundowns remain top on goal difference, but Pirates have a game in hand)

The Mbokazi Rumours Fuelled by the Pirates Coach

Intriguingly, Ouaddou himself added fuel to the fire by completely omitting the talented centre-back from the matchday squad on Tuesday. This decision came amid widespread reports claiming the 20-year-old is on the verge of completing a deal worth over R50 million to join Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Chicago Fire.

Mbokazi, a product of the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side, has had an explosive rise since March 2025. The KZN-born talent has even broken into Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad. This season alone, he has made 18 appearances across all competitions, netting once and cementing the defence that has secured multiple clean sheets.

Ouaddou’s Response: ‘I’M NOT AWARE’

Despite several media outlets reporting Mbokazi’s move to Chicago Fire as a done deal, the former Marumo Gallants mentor categorically refuted the claims, insisting the left-footed defender remains a key member of his squad.

“What I can tell you is that I’m not aware of this news, for me, Mbokazi is still in my group,” Ouaddou stated firmly.

“Today [Tuesday], like I just said, I rotate the players, and he’s one of the most important players in my group. So for me, he’s still with us, and that’s it. He’s still my player.”