Mbekezeli Mbokazi is rumoured to be on the verge of completing a move to Chicago Fire from Orlando Pirates.
If widespread reports are true, Mbokazi will leave Pirates for Fire next month a join the MLS side next year.
Mboakzi set to join Chicago Fire in the MLS
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. The Buccaneers are also set to get a huge pay day from the impending sale as per reports.
It is thought, however, that Pirates have agreed a transfer fee of R51 million with Fire for Mbokazi’s services. The Sea Robbers, however, won’t be the only team to be laughing to the bank after the deal. As per FIFA rules, academies or teams a player trained at in his formative years are entitled to a percentage. The FIFA solidarity fee is given to clubs that a player trained with from ages 12-23.
Pirates to pay his development teams
The rule from FIFA says 5% of the agreed transfer fee agreed goes to the development clubs. So R2.6 million of what Pirates get from Fire will be distributed to Mbokazi’s development sides. The Buccaneers signed the 20-year-old at 18 years old and are entitled to a 1% themselves. That being independent of the actual transfer fee from the MLS side.
Pirates, however, will have to pay the likes of Langalibalele Academy, Makhasa FC, Mthuba All Stars in KZN some of the fee. Mbokazi arrived at the Soweto giants from Langalibalele after competing for Makhasa and All Stars in the SAB League. Depending on the amount of years he spent at both clubs, they will get a sizeable fee to help develop more talent.
What do you think of the FIFA solidarity rule and Mbokazi’s former teams subsequently benefitting from the deal? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.