Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has broken his silence on the swirling transfer reports surrounding Mbekezeli Mbokazi, addressing speculation that the star defender is set to move abroad.
The coach’s comments on Mbokazi’s situation came after Pirates defeated Chippa United 2-0 in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. The Sea Robber collected maximum points thanks to second-half goals from Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis. Both players came on as second-half substitutes and contributed positively from the bench.
The crucial three points against Chippa propelled Pirates to 25 points, drawing them level with log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Sundowns retain the summit position due to a superior goal difference, although Pirates currently hold a game in hand.
Interestingly, Pirates’ coach fueled the rumours on Mbokazi after leaving the talented centre-back out of the matchday squad on Tuesday. The 20-year-old defender is reportedly on his way to the Chicago Fire after concluding a deal worth over R50 million with the Major League Soccer [MLS] side.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT MBOKAZI’S TRANSFER RUMOURS
Mbokazi has been a solid figure in the Pirates’ defence since gaining promotion from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge side in March 2025. The KZN-born star has grown in leaps and bounds in the past few months, breaking into Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad. Wearing the Pirates colours this season, Mbokazi has been a consistent presence, featuring in 18 matches across all competitions. He has registered one goal while playing a key role in the team’s multiple clean sheets.
With several media reports revealing that Mbokazi’s move to Chicago Fire is a done deal, Pirates coach, Ouaddou, has refuted the reports and said the left-footed defender is still a Pirates player.
“What I can tell you is that I’m not aware of this news, for me, Mbokazi is still in my group,” the former Marumo Gallants mentor said.
“Today [Tuesday], like I just said, I rotate the players, and he’s one of the most important players in my group. So for me, he’s still with us, and that’s it. He’s still my player.”
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