This article was brought to you by Rexona
Chicago Fire defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s agent Basia Michaels has given an update on how her phone has been buzzing with interest after the player’s participation for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mbokazi, 20, has impressed since his promotion to Orlando Pirates’ first team in 2025 where he helped the side win domestic trophies in his first season.
- ALSO READ: Mbokazi’s Younger Brother Impresses At Engen
- Okon & Mbokazi Among Top Young CBs At World Cup
The start of his second season with the Buccaneers saw him handed the captain’s armband while also breaking into the Bafana squad and also attracted scouts from outside South Africa.
He made a move to Chicago midterm after helping Pirates clinch the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies and has taken America by storm as well with his performances and humble personality.
The centre-back went on to be a key figure in Hugo Broos’ class of 2026 that made history by reaching the second round at the World Cup.
Michaels told iDiski Times senior journalist Lorenz Köhler in edition 264 of the newspaper that there has been plenty of interest in ‘TLB’ however it’s still early to tell about the seriousness.
“Extremely busy – but busy is good… so we take it,” Michaels told iDiski Times.
“It’s very, very early to tell, but there have been a good number of scouts that have reached out that are doing the initial groundwork that needs to be done. When the sporting directors start calling, then I know it’s real.”
Michaels is confident Mbokazi can secure a move to a top European league however emphasises that PSL players should be treated with respect with regards to offers being put up because of first their undeniable talents and the league being just as good and professional.
“I’ve said this before and I will say it again, his talent isn’t questionable,” added the agent.
“There is no doubt about that fact that he deserves to play in those leagues, but the clubs in those leagues must realise that clubs like Orlando Pirates and Chicago Fire have invested in the player and that investment must yield a return.
“I’ve had a number of encounters where people have recognised Mbeke’s talent, that’s not questionable. But paying for the talent is important and not the offers I’ve received in the past where the question becomes about African players being expensive without them having no European experience. With all due respect that isn’t the barometer.
“I like the response Rele Mofokeng gave in one of his interviews endorsing the PSL as one of the best leagues too because we have to give credit where it’s due. What the PSL has built is a great league that needs international recognition without there being a question of whether the player is good enough to be paid for and paid fair value which is what Fire did for Mbeke.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.