Mbekezeli Mbokazi sparkled at the World Cup for Bafana. The gifted ex-Orlando Pirates defender’s future lies away from the United States MLS, but where?
Mbokazi wanted in England, Italy and Belgium
According to ESPN, MLS team Chicago Fire won’t stand in the way of Bafana star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, should he be eager for a move away. There are rumours of interest in the 20-year-old from Nottingham Forest, Napoli and unnamed sides in Belgium. Italian Serie A side Napoli are reportedly readying an offer which could rise to €10 million (R185 million).
“Chicago Fire have come forward and we’ve had conversations. They are willing to sell Mbokazi and they’re not going to hold him back [if a suitable offer arises],” Michaels told ESPN.
“They are very open to any conversations that need to be had, they have to realise fair value for their investment.”
Chicago Fire director of football Gregg Berhalter told ESPN: “Like all of our players, we would be open to discussing if we saw the move was a significant sporting opportunity for the player, and support the long-term vision of the club.”
Orlando Pirates release injury-plagued Sesane
Meanwhile, in a somewhat surprising turn of events, Pirates have elected to release central defender Thabiso Sesane. The 26-year-old was a mainstay in the first half of the 2024-25 campaign, but a serious injury in 2025-26 meant that he didn’t make a single league appearance in Pirates’ title-winning campaign. He also managed only 13 outings in the season prior. Have the board exercised some tough love and decided that Sesane won’t be able to get back to his best? Rele Mofokeng has also departed for Union-Saint Gilloise.
What’s the ideal next destination for Mbekezeli Mbokazi?
