Mbekezeli Mbokazi is saying goodbye to Orlando Pirates and the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
As previously reported by The South African, the 20-year-old has put pen to paper for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire on a four-year deal that includes an option to renew.
CHICAGO FIRE SIGN MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI
After just 38 matches as a professional footballer, the Hluhlulwe-born left-footed central defender is leaving Pirates. The player fondly known as “TLB,” will make the move during the January transfer window after the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (Afcon).
He has been announced by the club known as “The Fire” or “The Men in Red.” The confirmation read: “We have acquired defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Orlando Pirates of South Africa’s Betway Premiership.
Chicago, who finished in eighth position with 53 points in the 2025 MLS season, further confirmed that Mbokazi will take up their U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position, and his contract will run through 2029.
THREE SOUTH AFRICANS IN THE MLS
In the States, the outgoing Pirates star, already with five caps for Bafana Bafana, becomes the third South African footballer to ply his trade in the MLS. He joins Olwethu Makhanya (21), also a left-footed central defender at Philadelphia Union, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane (25), who plays his football as a forward for Minnesota United, which is the same club that reportedly offered R35 million to sign Mbokazi’s Pirates teammate Relebohile Mofokeng in August, only for the Buccaneers to turn it down.
A FAST TAKE-OFF
Mbokazi, who signed for the Pirates reserve team in 2023 while playing for Langalibalele Sports Academy in the Engen U19 Knockout tournament, made his professional debut in the final stretch of last season under then-coach Jose Riveiro. Since that 1-0 win over Chippa United on 5 March 2025, he hasn’t looked back.
He went on to captain South Africa’s U20 side to the COSAFA Championship title and played a key role as the Buccaneers finished second in the Betway Premiership. He also helped Pirates to reach the CAF Champions League semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to eventual winners Pyramids FC.
His rise continued on the international stage. At just 19, he made his Bafana Bafana debut in a 2-0 win over Mozambique at Peter Mokaba Stadium in June, before going on to collect five caps. His standout performance against Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers earned him praise from all corners of Mzansi before he was nominated for the CAF Young Player of the Year award in October.
Now 20, he is heading for his first AFCON in Morocco this December and Chicago in January 2026. Mbokazi follows a route previously taken by several local icons. Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe played for Miami Toros, Minnesota Kicks and Toronto Blizzard, Ephraim “Jomo” Sono featured for New York Cosmos and Atlanta Chiefs, Kaizer “Chincha Guluva” Motaung represented Atlanta Chiefs and Denver Dynamos, while Doctor “16V” Khumalo had a spell with Columbus Crew.