Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has broken his silence over Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s potential move to Chicago Fire in the MLS.
According to reports over the weekend, Mbokazi was in Chicago for transfer talks with Fire Pirates’ permission presumably.
Mbokazi set to leave Pirates for Fire?
It has been said that Pirates and Fire have agreed on a transfer fee of R51 million for the centre-back. This move will represent a huge milestone in Mbokazi’s career which has gone up in leaps and bounds. In the year 2025 the Hluhluwe-born defender has made his Pirates first team debut, Bafana Bafana debut. The impending move to Fire will add a third achievement to the list in a deal abroad.
With Pirates playing and beating Chippa United in a Betway Premiership match on Tuesday, Mbokazi wasn’t expected to play. In fact, they may have even been an argument to suggest he would not be back in the country yet. But that was certainly not the case as he was pictured in club colours at the Orlando Stadium.
Ouaddou breaks silence on deal
When asked by journalist about Mbokazi’s potential move to Fire, Pirates coach Ouaddou said he is unaware of it.
“I am not aware of this news (Mbokazi leaving Pirates for Fire), for me it is still in my group, today, like I just said, I rotated players; he is one of the most important players in the group. For me, he is still with me; that’s it, he is my player.” Said Ouaddou as per Prime Sports With Mahlatse.
Will he play again for Buccaneers?
Should that really be the case, them Mbokazi could be back in contention when Pirates plays Durban City on Saturday. After that, he could have just one more opportunity to wear the Buccaneers jersey. That would be in the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane next weekend.
Pirates fans, do you believe Ouaddou when he says he is unaware of this potential move to fire for Mbokazi? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.