Ex-Chicago Fire FC star Mkhokheli Dube has explained why the signing of Mbekezeli Mbokazi was a shrewd move, highlighting what makes the defender a ‘smart’ priority acquisition for the MLS side.
Mbokazi completed a move to the US club in December 2025, with Pirates reportedly accepting a R52 million offer for the services of the rock-solid defender.
The 20-year-old has made an immediate impact and has been commanding a first-team jersey, featuring in eight matches across all competitions so far. He took home the Man of the Match award on Sunday after Chicago Fire FC beat Atlanta United in an MLS match.
On Tuesday, Mbokazi was introduced on the stroke of half-time for Jack Elliott as Chicago Fire FC beat Detroit City FC 2-1 in the US Open Cup Round of 32. His teammate and SA star Puso Dithejane was red-carded in the 80th minute.
WHAT MKHOKHELI DUBE SAID ABOUT THE CHICAGO FIRE-MBOKAZI DEAL
Dube, a former MLS and PSL star, reckons Mbokazi is a rare talent who can fit into any team. He told FARPost: “Firstly, he’s a talented footballer who can fit into any team. Being at Chicago Fire is an advantage because of the exposure, making it easier for him to take the next step in his career.”
The Zimbabwean, now assistant coach at Highlanders FC, said the Chicago Fire FC leadership was calculative in their signing of Mbokazi. He likened it to how they dealt with Colombian centre-forward Jhon Durán for a significant profit.
Dube cited the example of Durán, who was signed by England’s Aston Villa from Chicago Fire FC, saying the club reaped big financial rewards after securing his services from Colombia.
Durán spent the 2021/22 season at Chicago Fire FC and was sold to the Premier League side in the following season. Villa paid R283 million [€14.75 million] for Durán at the age of 19. On the other hand, Chicago Fire FC had acquired him from Colombian club Envigado for approximately R32.7 million [€1.7 million]. This is according to Transfermarkt. In January 2025, Durán moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr FC on a massive deal worth an initial R1.47 billion [€77 million], with potential add-ons of R286 million [€15 million].
Chicago Fire received 15% of the profit from the 2025 transfer, amounting to approximately R173 million [€9.1 million]. Transfermarkt adds that the original fee was R313 million [€16.4 million], plus R73 million [€3.84 million] in add-ons, and a R160 million [€8.4 million] sell-on fee. In total, Chicago Fire generated a staggering net profit of approximately R526 million [€27.6 million] from their initial investment in the striker.
CHICAGO FIRE FC WERE STRATEGIC AND SMART, SAYS MKHOKHELI DUBE ON MBOKAZI’S SIGNING
Dube told FARPost in an interview that Chicago Fire FC was strategic in signing Mbokazi ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. He cited the sale of Durán to Aston Villa for a big profit. The ex-player also suggested Chicago Fire are likely to do the same with the SA defender.
“Chicago Fire FC was extremely wise and strategic in signing Mbekezeli Mbokazi. I know their leadership. They are a club that has consistently shown they know how to spot raw talent. And they make calculated moves that pay off in the long run,” added the ex-AmaZulu FC star Dube.
“They did it with Jhon Durán. Signing him from Colombia at a young age and then selling him to Aston Villa for a massive profit. It’s clear they had a vision for Durán’s growth and development, and it paid off handsomely.
“I think they are likely to do the same with Mbokazi. And I think he is in a great position to take his career to new heights. Very soon, he will make it to Europe. They have already made him a known entity in the footballing world; everyone now knows Mbokazi. And now they want to take him to the next level.”
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is on home soil in the US, Mexico, and Canada. They [Chicago] want Mbokazi to make an impact. It was a smart, well-calculated move for the club.
“And it’s exciting to see where Mbokazi’s career will go. With the right guidance and support, I believe he has the potential to become a household name even in Europe.”
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