Former Chicago Fire FC winger Mkhokheli Dube has shared some interesting insights on Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s transfer to the Major League Soccer [MLS] side. After weeks of intense speculation, Mbokazi has concluded a sensational transfer from Orlando Pirates to Chicago Fire FC. Valued at a staggering $5 million [approximately R91 million], the December deal is one for the record books.
On Tuesday, both clubs officially confirmed the young defender’s move on a four-and-a-half-year contract. The deal includes a club option for an additional year. Notably, Pirates confirmed that Mbokazi remains available for selection for the Carling Knockout Cup final. The Bucs face Marumo Gallants on Saturday, 6 December.
Mbokazi’s ascension has been remarkable. After being promoted from the Bucs reserve side in October 2024 at just 19, he immediately commanded the left centre-back position. In just over a year, he has amassed 37 appearances, averaging 90 minutes per game, a testament to his rock-solid reliability and endurance.
His prowess quickly earned him a regular spot in the South African national team. In fact, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos lauded his unique talent. “In the four years I have been here, I have never seen a defender like this.”
A MONEY MOVE OR CAREER SUICIDE BY MBOKAZI?
Nicknamed ‘TLB’, Mbokazi’s stellar performances have drawn significant attention from across the Atlantic. Historically, the MLS has been widely perceived as a ‘retirement league,’ a destination for ageing European stars seeking lucrative paydays. The 38-year-old Lionel Messi epitomises this trend, ranking fifth on Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes with an astonishing multi-trillion rand income. From David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Lorenzo Insigne, MLS has long been a magnet for legends pursuing lucrative final contracts. This enduring reputation fuels doubts about the league’s developmental value for emerging talents like Mbokazi.
However, Zimbabwean legend Mkhokheli Dube, who spent over seven years in MLS, including a stint at Chicago Fire, argues that this is merely a perception. He believes the league is a legitimate springboard for ambitious players.
“You have to check the history of transfers from MLS to Europe; it’s tremendous,” Dube told FARPost. “Especially at Chicago Fire. I played there and know how they operate. Jhon Durán went there as a 17-year-old and left for a much bigger club [Aston Villa].”
Dube further explained that the league’s focus has shifted. “The recruitment strategy has changed immensely. Back then, it was about getting the higher-profile old players, but now teams are looking to make money as well by recruiting young talent.”
FIFA WORLD CUP DREAM ON THE LINE?
Mbokazi’s move is the latest example of the accelerating trend of talent moving from the PSL to the MLS. He joins a growing list of exports, including Njabulo Blom, Cassius Mailula, and Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who have made the transatlantic switch in recent years.
Despite this growing trend, Broos appears wary of the move. Several MLS-based players, such as Hlongwane, Blom, and Mailula, have recently fallen out of favour with the national side, raising concerns for Mbokazi’s international standing.
Weighing in on Mbokazi’s international future, the former Chicago Fire forward offered a measured assessment.
“I believe he is a great asset for South African football, and I hope Hugo will keep calling him to the national team,” Dube said. “But again, his performance must be the one that gets him selected.”
Summing up with a diplomatic yet optimistic view, Dube emphasised the life-changing nature of the deal for the American-bound youngster.
“Also, we must be happy for him as it will benefit him and his family financially, given football is a short career,” he concluded.
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