Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is edging ever so closer to a move to MLS side Chicago Fire.
According to reports over the weekend, Mbokazi was in Chicago for transfer talks with Fire Pirates’ permission presumably.
Mbokazi set for Fire switch
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. Here is the picture below courtesy of Vino Snap.
Pictured back in Pirates colours tonight
With Mbokazi now back, it remains to be seen if he will be in the Pirates squad going forward. Perhaps the most pressing question for Buccaneers supporters being if he will be part of their Carling Knockout Cup final. If he does take to the field against Marumo Gallants in Polokwane next weekend, it will likely be his last. This due to the 20-year-old being expected to form a key part in the Bafana Afcon squad next month.
Ready for life without him Buccaneers?
Following that competition, Mbokazi could then travel to Fire to begin his new journey in the MLS. Their transfer window is set to begin on the 31st of January and then stretch to the 23rd of April. Pirates fans, are you ready yet for life without the ‘TLB’? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
