Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi is reportedly set to sign for Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire, as per report by legendary sportscaster Mark Gleeson.
Pirates reportedly stand to pocket US$3 million (over R50 million) should they agree on the transfer fee for their young captain.
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Gleeson further added that Mbokazi and his agent Basia Michaels arrived in America on Friday to look at concluding the deal ahead of the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old tough-tackling defender has been a menace for both club and country since breaking into the Buccaneers senior team after earning promotion to top-flight football last season.
He has already captained Pirates to the MTN8 title this season while playing a major key role in Bafana Bafana’s AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.
The Hluhluwe-born centre-back has featured 18 times for the Buccaneers with a goal and an assist this term and could win his second major trophy just two seasons in the elite league when Pirates face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month.
There are three South African players in the MLS at present – Bongokuhle Hlongwane at Minnesota United and the Philadelphia Union duo of Olwethu Makhanya and head coach Bradley Carnell.
Mbokazi will also not be the only SA player if he joins Chicago. Midfielder Brody Williams, who was born in 2010, is also part of the club.
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