PIRATES CASH IN BIG WHILE MBOKAZI BIDS FAREWELL TO SOWETO
In just five months, Orlando Pirates have raked in a whopping R77.9 million from transfers and their latest move shows just how serious that business is.
Their rising star defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi has officially left for Chicago Fire FC in America’s MLS, marking the second major departure after Mohau Nkota’s move away earlier in the season.
Mbokazi, just 20 years old, made waves at Pirates and for the national side, quickly becoming a key player. He featured regularly in the Premier Soccer League, the CAF Champions League, and helped Pirates clinch the 2025/26 MTN 8 Cup. His performances caught global attention and that led to Chicago Fire pulling the trigger on a deal reportedly worth around R51 million (roughly US$3 million).
The MLS club wasted no time in securing him. They signed him on a contract running through 2029, with an option for the 2029/30 season. He’ll take up one of their U‑22 roster slots and is expected to slot straight into their defensive line.
Chicago Fire’s sporting director and coach described him as a young defender with serious potential, praising his leadership qualities and readiness to perform at a higher level.
Interestingly, Pirates and Chicago Fire agreed that Mbokazi will stay with Pirates until the final official fixture of 2025, meaning he might still turn out for them in the upcoming Cup final before fully making the move.
That gives fans one last chance to see him in black and white before he heads off to the United States.
Image credit: The Citizen