Orlando Pirates Set to Lose Biggest Prospect in South African Football to MLS Club

Mbekezeli Mbokazi has signed for MLS side Chicago Fire. Photo: Orlando Pirates.

Orlando Pirates Set to Lose Biggest Prospect in South African Football to MLS Club

Joel Omotto 20:14 - 22.11.2025

South African giants Orlando Pirates are set to see one of their biggest talents seal a big-money move to an MLS club midway through a busy season.

South African giants Orlando Pirates are on the verge of losing one of their brightest talents to the MLS just when the season is taking shape.

Pirates have become one of the South African clubs that has been churning out great young talents with Mohau Nkota, who burst onto the scene last season, now playing for Saudi side Al-Ettifaq and Relebohile Mofokeng always linked with a move abroad.

Pirates also have in their ranks a highly-rated defender in Mbekezeli Mbokazi who has become a key player for both the club and country despite just getting his senior team debut in March this year.

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At just 20 and nine months of senior football under his belt, Mbokazi is already one of the captains at Pirates and has become undroppable for Bafana Bafana with his fearlessness, ball-playing and ability to sniff out danger standing out.

Mbokazi has become a player who few attackers want to face while he is reliable presence at the back for his colleagues in defence.

Where is Mbokazi Headed to?

Now, according to multiple reports in South Africa, Pirates are set to lose the defender to MLS club Chicago Fire, who are reportedly set to pay $3 million to land his signature, with the player already in the United States of America at the moment.

It could mean that Mbokazi has already played his last match for the Soweto giants and will likely play no part in his club’s three remaining matches this year before the South African league takes a break for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mbokazi will be among the first names on coach Hugo Broos’ list of players for the South Africa headed to the AFCON and he could head to the tournament in Morocco while already a Chicago player.

Chicago have already been eliminated from the MLS playoffs and will head to pre-season early to prepare for the 2026 campaign which will begin in February.

Mbokazi would be the third South African player in the MLS if he makes the move, joining Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Olwethu Makhanya of Philadelphia Union.