Orlando Pirates have reportedly agreed to sell centre back Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
If widespread reports are true, Pirates and Fire have agreed to a transfer fee of R51 million for Mbokazi’s sale.
Mbokazi set to join Fire from Pirates
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. Now should the move take place, here is why it wouldn’t be the right move for him.
- Bafana place at risk
Perhaps the main reason Mbokazi’s move could be bad, is because of an existing pattern with MLS players. Bafana coach Hugo Broos has often overlooked players that ply their trade in America for his national team squads. The likes of Bongokuhle Hlongwane have completely lost their places in the squad. Another recent example being former Kaizer Chiefs star Njabulo Blom who didn’t make the squad for the previous Afcon.
2. MLS not on the same level as top/decent leagues in Europe
The pinnacle for any footballer is to make it to a top league in Europe. This would’ve not been any different for Mbokazi. Having impressed for Pirates and Bafana, the expectation was for him to move to Europe, not the MLS. Although the MLS is a respectable league and level, you may argue there would’ve been better options. For example were leagues like Romania, Austria, Portugal and Belgium completely off the table? Or maybe even Sweden, France, Netherlands and English Championship? In the end, it is Fire that looks to be willing to pay the money and is the likely destination.
3. Could Pirates not have waited until the World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup could’ve been a bigger stage for Mbokazi to market himself. Having established himself in the qualifiers, he is almost a sure bet to start in the Americas. This could’ve given him a platform to attract more scouts from across Europe and maybe earn a move to stronger league. This could’ve also benefited Pirates by giving them more options than the MLS and Fire. Of course, there is always the other side of the coin, where the player fails to impress and his stocks go down. But just maybe, it was a risk worth taking…
4. Danger of playing himself out of the World Cup squad
There is always a risk when you make a move in the middle of a World Cup year. Furthermore, there is an even bigger risk when you move to a different country altogether. Mbokazi will arrive in the USA trying to adapt to the culture, the pace of the league as well as his new coach and teammates. As talented as he has proven to be for Pirates and Bafana, there are never any guarantees that he will have a smooth transition. Should he struggle to adapt or get game time, it could force him out of Broos’ side.
Fair points?
What are your thoughts on this factors on Mbokazi leaving Pirates for Fire in the MLS? Feel free to leave your comments below.
