OFFICIAL: Mbekezeli Mbokazi completes move to the USA

Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has completed a move to MLS side Chicago Fire FC.

Mbokazi has been an integral part of the Pirates side since making his senior debut towards the end of last season.

He played over 35 matches in the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League, as well as the Premiership MTN 8, Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup.

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The 20-year-old also made his mark with both the South Africa U-20 Men’s National Team as well as the senior South Africa squad.

At the youth level, he was named to the roster for the 2024 COSAFA U-20 Cup, which South Africa won and qualified for the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Mbokazi made his senior national team debut in May 2025 in a 2-0 win against Mozambique and was also called up for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria during the September 2025 FIFA International window.

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He was officially unveiled by Chicago Fire on Tuesday and will occupy an international roster position with the club. His contract will run through 2029, with a club option 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 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.”