With Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s transfer to Chicago Fire sealed, Saturday’s Carling Knockout Final marking his emotional swansong for Orlando Pirates, FARPost reveals the definitive date the defender will begin his new MLS career. The Soweto giants confirmed the transfer of the 20-year-old to Chicago on Tuesday afternoon, leaving South African football fans with mixed emotions.
The Hluhluwe-born star’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric, debuting for the Buccaneers on 5 March against Chippa United in the Betway Premiership tie. It was a debut delight as the Bucs beat the Chilli Boys 1-0 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, courtesy of a solitary goal by Nkosinathi Sibisi.
In the current campaign, the rock-solid centre-back has made 19 appearances across all competitions for the Sea Robbers and has already lifted the MTN8 title with Pirates. His impressive performances caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. ‘TLB’, as he is affectionately known, played an important role in helping the national team qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
ORLANDO PIRATES’ OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON WHEN MBEKEZELI MBOKAZI WILL JOIN CHICAGO FIRE
Immediately after Saturday’s final against Marumo Gallants in the Carling Cup at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, he will shift his focus to Bafana. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00.
After the Carling final, the 20-year-old goes into the Bafana camp for the AFCON tournament, which is due to be held in Morocco from the 21st of December 2025 and will end on the 18th of January 2026.
Following the conclusion of the AFCON, the left-footed central defender will be expected to join his teammates in Chicago. Exactly a month later, he will be in line to make his debut for the MLS side when they go head-to-head with Houston Dynamo in a league match on 22 February 2026.
“Following positive discussions between the management of both Clubs, it has been agreed that Mbokazi will remain with Orlando Pirates until the final official fixture of 2025,” read Pirates’ statement.
“He will then embark on a new chapter of his football journey across the Atlantic, joining Chicago Fire as the next step in what promises to be an exceptional career.”
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